Systems and methods for OFDM with flexible subcarrier spacing and symbol duration

Abstract

The present invention provides embodiments that support variable subcarrier spacing and symbol duration for transmitting OFDM or other waveform symbols and associated cyclic prefixes. The symbol duration includes a useful symbol length and an associated cyclic prefix length. The variable subcarrier spacing and symbol duration are determined by parameters representing the subcarrier spacing, useful symbol length, and cyclic prefix length. The embodiment method is implemented by a network or network controller, and includes establishing a plurality of multiple access block (MAB) types, the plurality of MAB types defining different combinations of subcarrier spacing and symbol duration for waveform transmission. The method also includes partitioning the frequency and time planes of a carrier frequency band into a plurality of MAB regions, the plurality of MAB regions including frequency-time slots for waveform transmission. The plurality of MAB types of the plurality of MAB regions are then selected, and one MAB type is assigned to a corresponding MAB region.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 949,805, filed on March 7, 2014 by Jianglei Ma et al., entitled “OFDM System with Flexible Frequency-Time Grid,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and to U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 627,836, entitled “System and Method for Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing with Flexible Subcarrier Spacing and Symbol Duration,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to wireless communications, and in particular to a system and method for transmitting different waveforms using flexible subcarrier spacing and symbol duration. In certain specific embodiments, the waveforms are orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) waveforms with different parameters. Background Art

[0003] In existing wireless standards, including those for fourth-generation (4G) and earlier wireless networks, standardized waveforms are selected based on their suitability for general use. In many cases, a different waveform could offer better performance, but addressing overall performance and implementation limitations necessitates the use of standardized waveforms. Using a single waveform simplifies both transmitter and receiver designs and avoids adding additional computational complexity. However, while delivering improved performance for a growing number of use cases, using a single waveform can become a performance bottleneck. 4G networks utilize orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) waveforms due to their numerous characteristics. In many cases, using different OFDM waveform configurations can be advantageous for different channel conditions and / or different use / application scenarios. Therefore, next-generation wireless communication protocols will likely include air interfaces that support waveform adaptation, allowing for dynamic selection of the most appropriate waveform based on various criteria, such as channel conditions, traffic type, transmission mode, user equipment (UE) capabilities, or other factors. Therefore, techniques and / or mechanisms are needed to provide a flexible air interface that can seamlessly adapt to multiple different waveforms, effectively providing flexible wireless performance under varying channel conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one embodiment, a method for a network controller to support wireless communications includes establishing a plurality of multiple access block (MAB) types, the plurality of MAB types defining different combinations of subcarrier spacing and symbol durations for waveform transmission. The method further includes partitioning the frequency and time planes of a carrier frequency band into a plurality of MAB regions, the plurality of MAB regions including frequency-time slots for waveform transmission. At least two different MAB types are selected for the plurality of MAB regions from the plurality of established MAB types.

[0005] According to another embodiment, a method for a network component to support wireless communications includes selecting a MAB area from among a plurality of predetermined MAB areas that partition a carrier frequency band in frequency and time planes, and transmitting a signal on a frequency-time slot in the MAB area based on a MAB type selected for the MAB area. The MAB type is one of a plurality of predetermined MAB types. The method further includes reducing a bandwidth of the transmitted signal using a spectral filter based on a bandwidth of the MAB type.

[0006] According to another embodiment, a method for a network device to support wireless communications includes receiving a signal in a frequency-time slot of one of a plurality of MAB zones that partition the frequency and time planes of a carrier frequency band; identifying a MAB type selected for the MAB zone, the MAB type defining a subcarrier spacing and a symbol duration of the frequency-time slot of the MAB zone. The method further includes establishing a spectrum filter having a bandwidth according to the MAB type; and detecting the signal using the spectrum filter.

[0007] According to another embodiment, a network controller supporting wireless communications includes at least one processor and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program executed by the at least one processor. The program includes instructions to: establish a plurality of multiple access block (MAB) types, the plurality of MAB types defining different combinations of subcarrier spacing and symbol duration for waveform transmission, and partitioning the frequency and time planes of a carrier frequency band into a plurality of MAB regions, the plurality of MAB regions including frequency-time slots for waveform transmission. The network controller further selects at least two different MAB types from the plurality of established MAB types for the plurality of MAB regions.

[0008] According to another embodiment, a network component supporting wireless communications includes: at least one processor; and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program executed by the at least one processor. The program includes instructions for: selecting a MAB area from a plurality of predetermined MAB areas that divide a carrier frequency band into frequency and time planes; and transmitting a signal on a frequency-time slot within the MAB area based on a MAB type selected for the MAB area. The MAB type belongs to one of a plurality of predetermined MAB types. The network component further reduces the bandwidth of the transmitted signal using a spectral filter based on the bandwidth of the MAB type.

[0009] According to another embodiment, a network device supporting wireless communications includes at least one processor and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program executed by the at least one processor. The program includes instructions for acquiring a signal in a frequency-time slot of one of a plurality of MAB zones that separate frequency and time planes of a carrier frequency band, identifying a MAB type selected for the MAB zone, the MAB type defining a subcarrier spacing and a symbol duration of the frequency-time slot of the MAB zone. The network device is further configured to establish a spectral filter having a bandwidth based on the MAB type, and detect the signal using the spectral filter.

[0010] The features of one embodiment of the present invention have been described in a relatively general manner to facilitate a better understanding of the detailed description of the present invention below. Additional features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be described below and form the main body of the present invention. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the concepts and specific embodiments disclosed herein can undoubtedly serve as a basis for modifying or designing other structures or processes to achieve the same objectives as the present invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of this document. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] For a more complete understanding of the present invention and its advantages, reference is made to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a wireless communication network;

[0013] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a traditional OFDM waveform with fixed subcarrier spacing;

[0014] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an OFDM waveform with a fixed symbol duration;

[0015] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a multiple access block (MAB);

[0016] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment with flexible subcarrier spacing and symbol duration allocation;

[0017] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment with flexible subcarrier spacing and symbol duration allocation;

[0018] Figure 7 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for providing flexible subcarrier spacing and symbol duration according to different MAB types;

[0019] Figure 8 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for obtaining variable subcarrier spacing and symbol duration according to different MAB types; and

[0020] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a processing system that can be used to implement various embodiments.

[0021] Corresponding numerals and symbols in the different figures generally refer to corresponding parts unless otherwise indicated.The figures are drawn to clearly illustrate the relevant aspects of the embodiments and are not necessarily drawn to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The design and use of preferred embodiments of the present invention will be discussed in detail below. However, it should be understood that the various applicable inventive concepts provided by the present invention can be embodied in a variety of specific environments. The specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative of specific methods for designing and using the present invention and do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0023] Traditional OFDM systems use fixed frequency (subcarrier) spacing and symbol duration to transmit each OFDM symbol and the associated cyclic prefix. The subcarrier spacing is fixed for the entire spectrum of a component carrier or multiple component carriers, for example, based on the maximum level of user equipment (UE) mobility to be supported. The subcarrier spacing represents the spacing between each subcarrier, which is a separate detectable frequency band within a carrier (the frequency band used for transmission). Each subcarrier can be allocated to one or more clients for communication. In addition, an OFDM symbol length is a separate detectable duration used to transmit information or data. The symbol length is the time required to transmit a symbol and its associated CP. In the present invention, the portion of the symbol length used to transmit a symbol (excluding the CP length) is referred to as the useful symbol length. The fixed subcarrier spacing and fixed symbol duration in traditional OFDM schemes also serve to limit the cyclic prefix options. The cyclic prefix is added to the transmitted symbols (e.g., bits of information) as a guard interval to eliminate interference between symbols. The length of the cyclic prefix is typically determined by the channel delay spread. Due to the fixed subcarrier spacing and fixed OFDM symbol duration, traditional OFDM solutions may not meet the spectrum efficiency and quality of service (QoS) requirements of next-generation networks. These networks may need to support higher mobility, lower latency and overhead, more channel types, more usage environments, and more transmission schemes. Therefore, new OFDM solutions that can support more flexible air interfaces are needed.

[0024] Embodiments of the present invention provide methods for supporting variable subcarrier spacing and symbol duration for transmitting OFDM symbols and associated cyclic prefixes. The symbol duration includes the useful OFDM symbol length and its associated cyclic prefix length. The variable subcarrier spacing and symbol duration are determined by parameters representing the subcarrier spacing, useful symbol length, and cyclic prefix length. These parameters are referred to as frequency-time primitives. Embodiments also allow for variable subcarrier spacing and symbol duration granularity within the same carrier frequency band. A carrier is a spectrum allocation that enables communication within a system and includes multiple subcarriers (typically frequency subbands) separated by defined intervals. For example, in Long Term Evolution (LTE), a carrier corresponds to a spectrum with a certain bandwidth, such as 5, 10, and 20 MHz. In one embodiment of the present invention, a basic multiple access block (MAB) is defined as a transport unit for a carrier in the system, occupying a specified bandwidth and lasting for a specified time. Variable subcarrier spacing and symbol duration allocations may include MAB regions with different subcarrier spacing and / or symbol durations, as described below. Variable frequency-time primitives may correspond to each MAB region in a filtered OFDM (F-OFDM) transmission. The term "basic MAB," or simply MAB, as used in this invention, refers to the minimum subcarrier spacing and symbol duration used for resource allocation. Each MAB region includes multiple basic MABs, and different MAB regions can support different subcarrier spacings and symbol durations (useful symbol length and cycle length). Aspects provided herein include dynamically selected variable OFDM frequency-time primitives to meet performance and efficiency requirements.

[0025] Figure 1 A network 100 is shown for conducting data communications. The network 100 includes a base station or access point (AP) 110 having a coverage area 101, a plurality of client mobile devices 120, and a backhaul network 130. The AP 110 may include any component capable of providing wireless access by establishing an uplink (dashed line) and / or downlink (dotted line) connection with the mobile devices 120. The AP 110 may include a base station, a NodeB, an enhanced NodeB (eNB), a picocell, a femtocell, a WiFi access point, and other wireless-enabled devices. The mobile devices 120 may include any component capable of establishing a wireless connection with the AP 110, such as a user equipment (UE) or other wireless-enabled device. The backhaul network 130 may be any component or collection of components that allows data to be exchanged between the AP 110 and a remote terminal (not shown). In embodiments, the network 100 may include a variety of other wireless devices, such as relays, low-power nodes, and other user or client devices with wireless communication capabilities.

[0026] Figure 2Figure 1 illustrates a traditional OFDM waveform with a fixed subcarrier spacing (as may be common in traditional LTE and LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) networks). As shown, frequency domain orthogonality is maintained by using a uniform subcarrier spacing of 15 kHz across all frequency-time planes in the carrier band.

[0027] Figure 3 Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a traditional OFDM waveform with a fixed symbol duration (the sum of the useful symbol length and the cyclic prefix length), which may be common in traditional LTE and LTE-A networks. As shown in the figure, the useful OFDM symbol length is fixed based on the general sampling frequency and subcarrier spacing. Therefore, only a limited number of cyclic prefix configurations are supported. In one configuration, a normal cyclic prefix length supports a frame with a duration of 10 milliseconds (ms). The frame is divided into 10 transmission time intervals (TTIs), each lasting 1 ms. The TTI is further divided into two time slots of 0.5 ms each. Each time slot is divided into 7 OFDM symbols, which are the smallest indivisible transmission unit. Each symbol is 66.7 microseconds (μs) long and is preceded by a normal cyclic prefix length of 5.2 s or 4.7 s. In another configuration, the frame supports an extended cyclic prefix length. In this configuration, the cyclic prefix length is 16.7 μs.

[0028] The methods of the following embodiments support variable subcarrier spacing and symbol duration granularity within the same carrier frequency band. This may help alleviate issues associated with fixed subcarrier spacing and fixed symbol duration. In one embodiment, a basic multiple access block (MAB) is defined as a transport unit that occupies a specified bandwidth and lasts for a specified duration. MABs of different sizes can be defined. For example, smaller MABs can be used for common channels (e.g., synchronization channels, public broadcast channels), while larger MABs can be used for individual channels (e.g., UE-specific data channels). A large number of MAB types can be defined. For example, waveforms associated with different MAB types may have different subcarrier spacing, different useful OFDM symbol lengths, and / or different cyclic prefix lengths. Examples of MAB types are further described below. In an embodiment, the time and frequency planes of the spectrum resources may be divided into different MAB regions, where each MAB region consists of basic frequency-time slots with a predetermined subcarrier spacing and symbol duration. The MAB regions are also called basic multiple access blocks and have the same MAB type.

[0029] In a further embodiment, a filtered OFDM waveform can be used to control interference between adjacent multiple access blocks (frequency-time slots with different subcarrier spacing and symbol durations). Due to the different subcarrier spacing and symbol durations, orthogonality in the frequency-time plane may no longer be maintained. In this case, suitable digital filters are used within the frequency band occupied by the MAB area to control out-of-band emissions so that interference between different MABs does not cause performance loss. In addition, guard tones can be used (between subcarriers) to roll off the edges of the digital filters. In the same or other embodiments, a filter bank multi-carrier (FBMC) waveform can be used to maintain orthogonality between different multiple access blocks. FBMC waveforms are described in U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 14 / 035,161, filed on Sep. 9, 2013, and entitled “System and Method for Weighted Circularly Convolved Filtering in OFDM-OQAM,” and U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 14 / 184,078, filed on Feb. 19, 2014, and entitled “Frame Structure for Filter Bank Multi-Carrier (FBMC) Waveforms,” both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0030] In one embodiment of an OFDM waveform configuration, four MAB types are defined, including a special MAB type, MAB type-1, MAB type-2, and MAB type-3. The term "special MAB type" as used in the present invention refers to a MAB type with a predetermined subcarrier spacing and cyclic prefix among the defined MAB types. The subcarrier spacing and cyclic prefix are applied to regional common transmission channels that require a larger subcarrier spacing and cyclic prefix, such as synchronization channels and broadcast channels. For example, the special MAB type may have the largest subcarrier spacing and the longest cyclic prefix among the defined MAB types. In one embodiment, the special MAB type is broadcast by multiple transmitters within a certain area, such as an area used for wireless access virtualization. The special MAB type has a higher tolerance for synchronization errors and is therefore suitable for supporting devices with high mobility and low complexity, such as devices that cannot achieve high synchronization accuracy. The special MAB type can also be used for control and data transmission of ultra-high mobility devices and devices receiving and / or transmitting coordinated multi-point (CoMP) transmissions. MAB type-1 has the smallest subcarrier spacing and the longest symbol duration (e.g., the longest cyclic prefix length) and is suitable for low-mobility devices and for supporting large-scale CoMP transmissions or broadcast services. MAB type-2 has a medium subcarrier spacing and a medium cyclic prefix length and is suitable for medium-mobility devices and for supporting small-scale CoMP transmissions or non-CoMP transmissions. MAB type-3 has the largest subcarrier spacing and the shortest cyclic prefix length and is suitable for the highest-mobility devices, for non-CoMP transmissions, and for communications with very low latency requirements. In other embodiments, more or fewer MAB types may be defined and used. The MAB types may have different sizes of subcarrier spacing, useful symbol lengths, cyclic prefix lengths, or a combination thereof. For example, two different MAB types may have the same subcarrier spacing but different useful symbol lengths or cyclic prefix lengths, or may have the same symbol or cyclic prefix lengths but different subcarrier spacing. The size of the subcarrier spacing and symbol or cyclic prefix length for each MAB type is defined to meet the required system standards, conditions, or requirements (e.g., QoS).

[0031] Flexible subcarrier spacing and symbol duration allocation (e.g., corresponding to various MAB types) can be defined by different OFDM parameters (or time-frequency primitives), such as subcarrier spacing, useful symbol length, cyclic prefix length, or a combination thereof. One embodiment lists multiple available subcarrier spacing parameters (e.g., Δf, 2Δf, and 4Δf), multiple useful symbol length parameters (e.g., T, T / 2, and T / 4), and multiple cyclic prefix length parameters (e.g., CP, CP / 2, CP / 4, and CP / 2+T / 4). In this case, it is sufficient to define three basic parameter values (Δf, T, and CP) to establish all parameters. Other configurations may also be used in other embodiments.

[0032] Figure 4 Embodiments of MAB types that can be used for OFDM communication are described above. The MAB types include MAB type-1 with a subcarrier spacing Δf and a symbol duration CP+T. For example, Δf can be defined as 15 kHz, CP can be defined as 4.7, 5.2, or 16.7 μs, and T can be defined as 66.7 μs. Alternatively, Δf, CP, and T can be defined as other suitable values. MAB types also include MAB type-2 with a subcarrier spacing of 2 Δf and a symbol duration CP / 2+T / 2, MAB type-3 with a subcarrier spacing of 4 Δf and a symbol duration CP / 4+T / 4, and a special MAB type or region with a subcarrier spacing of 4 Δf and a symbol duration (CP / 2+T / 4)+T / 4.

[0033] Figure 5 An embodiment of flexible subcarrier spacing and symbol duration allocation that can be used in the OFDM scheme provided herein is described. Flexible subcarrier spacing and symbol duration allocation is established by defining MAB regions, where the basic multiple access blocks in each region are defined according to the MAB type. As described above, MAB types with corresponding subcarrier spacing and symbol duration are predefined. In this embodiment, the first MAB region includes basic multiple access blocks according to MAB type-1 (basic MAB). The second MAB region includes basic multiple access blocks according to MAB type-2 and further basic multiple access blocks according to special MAB types. The third MAB region includes basic multiple access blocks according to MAB type-3. The block size of each region can be defined so that the region is divisible by the basic time slot without wasting time / frequency resources. The client receives the corresponding MABs in the corresponding region using F-OFDM, which allows detection of variably spaced subcarriers for different MAB types.

[0034] Figure 6Another embodiment of flexible subcarrier spacing and symbol duration allocation that can be used for the OFDM scheme provided in this article is described. In the embodiment, the frequency-time plane associated with the spectrum band is divided into at least one repeated MAB area in the area within different ranges of the plane. For example, a first MAB area (such as a MAB type-1 area) is defined within two ranges of the plane - the upper left corner and the lower right corner of the frequency-time plane. A second MAB area (such as a MAB type-2 area) is further defined within two ranges of the plane, as shown in the figure. The plane also includes a MAB type-3 area and a special MAB area. The client can access the corresponding areas and blocks using F-OFDM. The embodiments of flexible subcarrier spacing and symbol duration allocation described above are only examples, and the embodiments of the present invention can be used to implement the configuration of other MAB types and areas and / or the configuration of flexible subcarrier spacing and symbol duration allocation.

[0035] In one embodiment, a signaling mechanism is used to support the flexible subcarrier spacing and symbol duration formats described above. The signaling mechanism allows UEs to access the network via a special MAB with predefined fixed synchronization channel and broadcast channel locations, as described above. Network broadcasts can use the special MAB to carry MAB region configurations. MAB region allocations can be semi-statically configured via signaling and carried by the special MAB. Alternatively, MAB region allocations can be dynamically configured using signaling carried in a predetermined MAB type, such as the aforementioned MAB Type-2. In one embodiment, a mapping between one or more service / transmission types and one or more corresponding MAB regions is predefined. For example, certain applications (e.g., machine-to-machine (M2M)) can be mapped to one MAB type (e.g., MAB Type-1), while certain access configurations (e.g., contention-based configurations or unauthorized access configurations) can be mapped to another MAB type (e.g., MAB Type-2). Specific types of devices and / or network configurations can also use specific MAB types. For example, high-speed trains can use a special MAB type.

[0036] The above scheme provides flexible subcarrier spacing and symbol duration allocation, as well as transmission based on MAB regions. Variable waveform parameters used to configure multiple access blocks and MAB regions can also be dynamically selected to meet performance and efficiency requirements. The regions can be partitioned to adapt to network characteristics, such as traffic load and service type. This scheme provides an efficient multiple access solution that meets different QoS requirements, supports different transmission modes, and supports UEs with different mobility and complexity levels. This scheme also offers higher spectral efficiency, greater flexibility, and reduced latency compared to the static subcarrier spacing and symbol duration allocation of conventional OFDM schemes.

[0037] Figure 7 A method embodiment 700 for providing flexible subcarrier spacing and symbol duration allocation according to different MAB types is described. The method can be implemented by a network component, such as a base station. In step 710, a plurality of MAB types are defined, having a plurality of frequency-time slots, wherein at least one MAB type has at least one of different subcarrier spacing, different useful symbol lengths, and different cyclic prefix lengths. For example, the MAB type includes the special MAB type described above, and at least one of MAB type-1, MAB type-2, and MAB type-3. In step 720, a plurality of MAB areas in a frequency-time plane of a carrier frequency band allocated for transmission in a wireless network are defined, wherein each of the MAB areas includes at least one frequency-time slot or block of the above-mentioned MAB type. As described above, Figure 5 and Figure 6 An example of the MAB region is shown in FIG. In step 730, at least one parameter of the MAB type is signaled to a network device (e.g., a UE). The parameter represents at least one subcarrier spacing, useful symbol length, and cyclic prefix length of the MAB type. The parameter includes one or more subcarrier spacing, useful symbol length, and / or cyclic prefix length of the MAB type.

[0038] Figure 8 A method embodiment 800 for accessing flexible, variable subcarrier spacing and symbol duration based on different MAB types is described. Method 800 can be implemented by a network device, such as a transmitter or a receiver. Both the transmitter and the receiver need to transmit and receive signals based on a waveform corresponding to a selected MAB type. The transmitter can be a base station (BS), a wireless access point or node, or a user equipment (UE). Similarly, the receiver can be a BS or a user equipment (UE). In step 810, information is received in a frequency-time slot of a predetermined MAB region in the frequency-time plane of a carrier frequency band allocated for transmission in a wireless network. The MAB region is one of a plurality of MAB regions in the frequency-time plane having a plurality of predefined MAB types. The time-frequency multiple access block has a subcarrier spacing, useful symbol length, and cyclic prefix length based on a MAB type associated with the MAB region or a dynamically defined MAB type (e.g., via parameter signaling). In step 820, the device detects OFDM or other waveform (e.g., FBMC) symbols in the information using a frequency filter based on the subcarrier spacing. This operation is achieved by performing F-OFDM based on the subcarrier spacing of the MAB type.

[0039] Figure 9is a block diagram of a processing system 900 that can be used to implement various embodiments. Processing system 900 can be part of a BS, UE, or other network device. A specific device may employ all or only a subset of the components shown, and the level of integration may vary from device to device. In addition, a device may include multiple instances of a component, such as a multi-processing unit, processor, memory, transmitter, receiver, etc. Processing system 900 may include a processing unit 901 equipped with one or more input / output devices, such as a speaker, microphone, mouse, touch screen, keypad, computer keyboard, printer, display, etc. Processing unit 901 may include a central processing unit (CPU) 910, memory 920, mass storage device 930, video adapter 940, and input / output interface 960 connected to a bus. The bus can be one or more multi-bus structures of any type, including a storage bus or storage controller, a peripheral bus, a video bus, etc.

[0040] The processor 910 may include any type of electronic data processor. The memory 920 may include any type of system memory, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), read-only memory (ROM), and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the memory 920 may include a ROM used for booting up, and a DRAM for program and data storage used when executing a program. The memory 920 in the embodiment is a non-temporary memory. The mass storage device 930 may include any type of storage device for storing data, programs, and other information, and making it possible to access the data, programs, and other information through a bus. The mass storage device 930 may include one or more of a solid-state drive, a hard disk drive, a magnetic disk drive, an optical disk drive, and the like.

[0041] The video adapter 940 and the input / output interface 960 provide interfaces for connecting external input and output devices to the processing unit. As shown, the input and output devices include a display 990 connected to the video adapter 940, and any combination of a mouse / keyboard / printer 970 connected to the input / output interface 960. Other devices can be connected to the processing unit 901, and additional or fewer interface cards can be used. For example, a serial interface card (not shown) can be used to provide a serial interface for a printer.

[0042] The processing unit 901 also includes one or more network interfaces 950, including wired links, such as Ethernet cables, and / or wireless links, to access nodes or one or more networks 980. The network interfaces 950 allow the processing unit 901 to communicate with remote units via the network 980. For example, the network interfaces 950 can provide wireless communication via one or more transmitters / transmit antennas and one or more receivers / receive antennas. In one embodiment, the processing unit 901 is connected to a local area network or a wide area network for data processing and communication with remote devices, such as other processing units, the Internet, remote storage devices, etc.

[0043] Although the present invention provides several embodiments, it should be understood that the disclosed systems and methods may be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The examples described are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and the intention is not to be limited to the details given herein. For example, various components or parts may be combined or integrated into other systems, and certain features may be omitted or not implemented.

[0044] In addition, the techniques, systems, subsystems, and methods described or illustrated in each embodiment independently or separately can be combined or integrated into other systems, modules, techniques, or methods without departing from the scope of the present invention. Other items shown or discussed herein that are connected to, directly connected to, or in communication with each other can be indirectly connected or in communication with each other through some interfaces, devices, or intermediate components in an electrical, mechanical, or other manner. Those of ordinary skill in the art will undoubtedly derive other examples of variations or substitutions without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: include: receiving configuration information from a base station, where the configuration information is used to configure a first frequency domain portion on a carrier frequency band, where the first frequency domain portion has a first subcarrier spacing, and the first frequency domain portion further has a first useful symbol length, where the first useful symbol length is one of a plurality of useful symbol lengths, where the plurality of useful symbol lengths further include a second useful symbol length, and where the first useful symbol length is twice or four times the second useful symbol length; Communicate with the base station in the first frequency domain portion using the first subcarrier spacing.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first subcarrier spacing is one of a plurality of subcarrier spacings, and the plurality of subcarrier spacings further includes a second subcarrier spacing, and the second subcarrier spacing is twice the first subcarrier spacing, or four times the first subcarrier spacing.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first frequency domain part has a first cyclic prefix length, which is one of a plurality of cyclic prefix lengths, the plurality of cyclic prefix lengths also including a second cyclic prefix length, and the first cyclic prefix is twice the second cyclic prefix length, or four times the second cyclic prefix length.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first frequency domain portion has a first symbol duration, the first symbol duration includes a first useful symbol length and a first cyclic prefix length, and the first symbol duration is one of a plurality of symbol durations, the plurality of symbol durations also including a second symbol duration, the second symbol duration includes a second useful symbol length and a second cyclic prefix length; The first symbol duration is twice the second symbol duration, or four times the second symbol duration.

5. The method according to claim 2, wherein The second subcarrier spacing is 30 kHz and the first subcarrier spacing is 15 kHz; or The second subcarrier spacing is 60 kHz and the first subcarrier spacing is 15 kHz.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The configuration information includes information for indicating the first subcarrier spacing and / or the first cyclic prefix length; or, The method further comprises: Information indicating the first subcarrier spacing and / or the first cyclic prefix length is received from the base station.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first subcarrier spacing is one of a plurality of subcarrier spacings, and the plurality of subcarrier spacings further include a special subcarrier spacing, where the special subcarrier spacing is used for a synchronization channel and / or a broadcast channel.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein When accessing the network, the configuration information received from the base station includes: Configuration information is received from the base station via a broadcast channel using the special subcarrier spacing.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1, 2, 5 and 8, wherein: Communicating with the base station using the first subcarrier spacing in the first frequency domain portion includes: In the first frequency domain part, the first subcarrier spacing is used to communicate with the base station through an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signal, and the transmission of the OFDM signal is controlled by a digital filter.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1, 2, 5 and 8, wherein: The first frequency domain portion corresponds to a first multiple access block (MAB) area; wherein the MAB is a carrier used for the system, a transport unit that occupies a specified bandwidth and lasts for a specified time.

11. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Sending configuration information to the terminal, where the configuration information is used to configure a first frequency domain portion on the carrier frequency band, where the first frequency domain portion has a first subcarrier spacing, and the first frequency domain portion further has a first useful symbol length, where the first useful symbol length is one of multiple useful symbol lengths, and the multiple useful symbol lengths also include a second useful symbol length, where the first useful symbol length is twice the second useful symbol length, or four times the second useful symbol length; Communicate with the terminal in the first frequency domain portion using the first subcarrier spacing.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein The first subcarrier spacing is one of a plurality of subcarrier spacings, and the plurality of subcarrier spacings further includes a second subcarrier spacing, and the second subcarrier spacing is twice the first subcarrier spacing, or four times the first subcarrier spacing.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: The first frequency domain part has a first cyclic prefix length, which is one of a plurality of cyclic prefix lengths, the plurality of cyclic prefix lengths also including a second cyclic prefix length, and the first cyclic prefix is twice the second cyclic prefix length, or four times the second cyclic prefix length.

14. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: The first frequency domain portion has a first symbol duration, the first symbol duration includes a first useful symbol length and a first cyclic prefix length, and the first symbol duration is one of a plurality of symbol durations, the plurality of symbol durations also including a second symbol duration, the second symbol duration includes a second useful symbol length and a second cyclic prefix length; The first symbol duration is twice the second symbol duration, or four times the second symbol duration.

15. The method according to claim 12, wherein The second subcarrier spacing is 30 kHz and the first subcarrier spacing is 15 kHz; or The second subcarrier spacing is 60 kHz and the first subcarrier spacing is 15 kHz.

16. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: The configuration information includes information indicating the first subcarrier spacing and / or the first cyclic prefix length; or, The method further comprises: Information indicating the first subcarrier spacing and / or the first cyclic prefix length is sent to the terminal.

17. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: The first subcarrier spacing is one of a plurality of subcarrier spacings, and the plurality of subcarrier spacings further include a special subcarrier spacing, where the special subcarrier spacing is used for a synchronization channel and / or a broadcast channel.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein When accessing the network, the configuration information is sent to the terminal, including: The configuration information is broadcast to the terminal using a special subcarrier spacing.

19. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that Communicating with the terminal using the first subcarrier spacing in the first frequency domain portion includes: In the first frequency domain part, the first subcarrier spacing is used to communicate with the terminal through an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signal, and the transmission of the OFDM signal is controlled by a digital filter.

20. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: The first frequency domain portion corresponds to a first multiple access block (MAB) area; wherein the MAB is a carrier used for the system, a transport unit that occupies a specified bandwidth and lasts for a specified time.

21. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises a unit or module for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

22. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises a unit or module for implementing the method according to any one of claims 11 to 20.

23. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device comprises a processor, a memory, and instructions stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein when the instructions are executed, the communication device executes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

24. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device comprises a processor, a memory, and instructions stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein when the instructions are executed, the communication device executes the method according to any one of claims 11 to 20.

25. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: Used to store a computer program, wherein the computer program enables a computer to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

26. A communication system, characterized in that: Includes the communication device according to claim 23 and the communication device according to claim 24.

27. A communication method, characterized in that: include: communicating with a first terminal using a first type in a first frequency domain portion of a carrier frequency band; Communicate with the second terminal using a second type in a second frequency domain portion on the carrier frequency band; wherein, The first type has a first subcarrier spacing, the second type has a second subcarrier spacing, and the second subcarrier spacing is twice the first subcarrier spacing, or four times the first subcarrier spacing; the first type has a first useful symbol length, the second type further has a second useful symbol length, and the first useful symbol length is twice the second useful symbol length, or four times the second useful symbol length.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein: The first frequency domain part corresponds to a first multiple access block MAB area, and the first MAB area has the first type; the second frequency domain part corresponds to a second MAB area, and the second MAB area has the second type; wherein MAB is a carrier used for the system, a transport unit that occupies a specified bandwidth and lasts for a specified time.

29. The method according to claim 27 or 28, wherein: The first type has a first cyclic prefix length, the second type further has a second cyclic prefix length, and the first cyclic prefix is twice the second cyclic prefix length or four times the second cyclic prefix length.

30. The method according to claim 27 or 28, wherein: The first type has a first symbol duration, the first symbol duration includes a first useful symbol length and a first cyclic prefix length, and the second type further has a second symbol duration, the second symbol duration includes a second useful symbol length and a second cyclic prefix length; The first symbol duration is twice the second symbol duration, or four times the second symbol duration.

31. The method according to claim 27 or 28, wherein: The second subcarrier spacing is 30 kHz and the first subcarrier spacing is 15 kHz; or The second subcarrier spacing is 60 kHz and the first subcarrier spacing is 15 kHz.

32. The method according to claim 27 or 28, wherein: The method further comprises: A signal indicating the first type is sent to the first terminal.

33. The method according to claim 27 or 28, wherein: The method further comprises: First configuration information is sent to the first terminal, where the first configuration information is used to configure the first frequency domain part.

34. The method according to claim 27 or 28, wherein: When the first terminal accesses the network, the method further includes: The third configuration information is broadcasted to the first terminal using a special type, where the special type is used for a synchronization channel and / or a broadcast channel.

35. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Communicate with a base station using a first type of a plurality of types in a first frequency domain portion of a carrier frequency band, the first type having a first subcarrier spacing, the first type also having a first useful symbol length; wherein, The multiple types also include a second type, which has a second subcarrier spacing and a second useful symbol length; the second subcarrier spacing is twice the first subcarrier spacing, or four times the first subcarrier spacing, and the first useful symbol length is twice the second useful symbol length, or four times the second useful symbol length.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein: The first frequency domain part corresponds to a first multiple access block MAB area, and the first MAB area has the first type; the second frequency domain part on the carrier frequency band corresponds to a second MAB area, and the second MAB area has the second type; wherein, MAB is a carrier used for the system, a transport unit that occupies a specified bandwidth and lasts for a specified time.

37. The method according to claim 35 or 36, wherein: The first type further has a first cyclic prefix length, the second type further has a second cyclic prefix length, and the first cyclic prefix is twice the second cyclic prefix length or four times the second cyclic prefix length.

38. The method according to claim 35 or 36, wherein: The first type has a first symbol duration including a first useful symbol length and a first cyclic prefix length, and the second type has a second symbol duration including a second useful symbol length and a second cyclic prefix length; The first useful symbol length is twice the second useful symbol length, or four times the second useful symbol length, and the first symbol duration is twice the second symbol duration, or four times the second symbol duration.

39. The method according to claim 35 or 36, wherein: The second subcarrier spacing is 30 kHz and the first subcarrier spacing is 15 kHz; or The second subcarrier spacing is 60 kHz and the first subcarrier spacing is 15 kHz.

40. The method according to claim 35 or 36, wherein: The method further comprises: A signal indicating the first type is received from the base station.

41. The method according to claim 35 or 36, wherein: The method further comprises: First configuration information is received from the base station, where the first configuration information is used to configure the first frequency domain part.

42. The method according to claim 35 or 36, wherein: The multiple types further include a special type, where the special type is used for a synchronization channel and / or a broadcast channel. The method further includes: When accessing the network, the third configuration information is received from the base station using a special type.

43. A communication device, characterized in that The method comprises a unit or module for implementing the method according to any one of claims 27 to 34.

44. A communication device, characterized in that The method comprises a unit or module for implementing the method according to any one of claims 35 to 42.

45. A communication device, characterized in that The communication device comprises a processor, a memory, and instructions stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein when the instructions are executed, the communication device executes the method according to any one of claims 27 to 34.

46. A communication device, characterized in that The communication device comprises a processor, a memory, and instructions stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein when the instructions are executed, the communication device executes the method according to any one of claims 35 to 42.

47. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that Used to store a computer program, wherein the computer program enables a computer to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 27 to 34.

48. A communication system, characterized in that Includes the communication device according to claim 45 and the communication device according to claim 46.

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