Methods and apparatus for frequency layer configuration for nr positioning reference signal

Abstract

A method of configuring frequency layers is disclosed. Each frequency layer includes one or more frequency layer portions, where each frequency layer portion includes a contiguous set of frequencies defined by a bandwidth and a center frequency. Positioning reference signals (PRS) are mapped to each frequency layer. The method includes configuring a first frequency layer for a first cell, where the first frequency layer includes at least one frequency layer portion FL1 having a bandwidth BW1 and a center frequency CF1, and configuring a second frequency layer for a second cell, the second frequency layer including at least one frequency layer portion FL2 having a bandwidth BW2 and a center frequency CF2.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Certain examples of the present disclosure provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for configuring one or more frequency layers for positioning reference signals (PRS). For example, certain examples of the present disclosure provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for configuring one or more frequency layers for PRS in Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Fifth Generation (5G) New Radio (NR). BACKGROUND

[0002] Considering the development of wireless communication generation after generation, the technology developed is mainly for human services, such as voice calls, multimedia services, and data services. With the commercialization of 5G (Fifth Generation) communication systems, it is expected that the number of connected devices will grow exponentially. These will increasingly be connected to communication networks. Examples of connected things can include vehicles, robots, drones, home appliances, displays, smart sensors connected to various infrastructures, construction machines, and factory equipment. It is expected that mobile devices will evolve in various forms, such as augmented reality glasses, virtual reality headsets, and hologram devices. In the 6G (Sixth Generation) era, in order to provide various services by connecting hundreds of billions of devices and things, efforts are being made to develop improved 6G communication systems. For these reasons, the 6G communication system is referred to as a beyond-5G system.

[0003] The 6G communication system is expected to be commercialized around 2030 and will have a peak data rate of T (1000G) bps and a radio latency of less than 100 s, so it is 50 times faster than the 5G communication system and has 1 / 10 of the radio latency of the 5G communication system.

[0004] In order to achieve such high data rates and ultra-low latency, it has been considered to implement the 6G communication system in a terahertz band (e.g., 95 GHz to 3 THz bands). Since the path loss and atmospheric absorption in the terahertz band are more severe than those in the millimeter wave band introduced in 5G, it is expected that technologies capable of securing signal transmission distance (i.e., coverage) will become more critical. The development of radio frequency (RF) elements, antennas, new waveforms with better coverage than orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), beamforming, and massive multiple input-multiple output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, and multi-antenna transmission technologies such as massive antennas is required as a main technology for securing coverage. In addition, new technologies for improving coverage of terahertz band signals, such as metamaterial-based lenses and antennas, orbital angular momentum (OAM), and reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS), have been discussed.

[0005] In addition, in order to improve the spectral efficiency and overall network performance, the following technologies have been developed for 6G communication systems: a full duplex technology that enables uplink transmission and downlink transmission to simultaneously use the same frequency resource; a network technology that comprehensively utilizes satellites, high altitude platform stations (HAPS), etc.; an improved network structure for supporting mobile base stations, etc., and enabling optimization and automation of network operations, etc.; a dynamic spectrum sharing technology via conflict avoidance based on prediction of spectrum usage; application of artificial intelligence (AI) in wireless communications for improving overall network operations by utilizing AI from the design stage of developing 6G and internalizing end-to-end AI support functions; and next-generation distributed computing technology for overcoming limitations of UE computing capability through ultra-high-performance communication and computing resources (e.g., mobile edge computing (MEC), cloud, etc.) accessible over the network. In addition, it is attempted to enhance connectivity between devices, optimize networks, promote softwareization of network entities, and increase openness of wireless communications by designing new protocols to be used for 6G communication systems, developing mechanisms for implementing a hardware-based secure environment and secure use of data, and developing technologies for maintaining privacy.

[0006] It is expected that the development of 6G communication systems in terms of hyper-connectivity, including personal-to-machine (P2M) and machine-to-machine (M2M), will make the next hyper-connected experience possible. In particular, it is expected that services such as truly immersive extended reality (XR), high-fidelity mobile holograms, and digital replicas can be provided through 6G communication systems. In addition, services such as remote surgery for improving safety and reliability, industrial automation, and emergency response will be provided through 6G communication systems, making these technologies applicable to various fields such as industry, medical care, automobiles, and home appliances.

[0007] The demand for mobile services is exploding, and one of the fastest growing parts is location-based services (LBS), driven mainly by two needs: emergency services and commercial applications. In response to these needs, second and third generation networks (wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), global system for mobile communications (GSM), code division multiple access (CDMA)) have added support for positioning technologies, which differ in terms of accuracy and time to first fix (TTFF) performance.

[0008] 3GPP Release 9 for Long Term Evolution (LTE) defined support for positioning techniques: Extended Cell ID (ECID), Assisted Global Navigation Satellite System (A-GNSS), Observed Time Difference of Arrival (OTDOA) and LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP), a new positioning protocol. A new reference signal was defined in LTE, the Positioning Reference Signal (PRS). In addition in REL-11, Uplink Observed Time Difference of Arrival (UOTDA) was adopted using SRS measurements. 3GPP REL-15 defined support for some Radio Access Technology (RAT) independent positioning techniques, such as Real Time Kinematic (RTK) GNSS, to improve the accuracy of LTE positioning.

[0009] The PRS signal for LTE consists of a pseudo-random sequence mapped to certain resource elements (REs), e.g., REs not allocated to the Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH). A UE can correlate the received PRS sequence with a local copy of the sequence and determine a corresponding range (distance) to the respective base station based on the position of the correlation peak. These ranges allow the UE to determine its position.

[0010] In the next 3GPP release, REL-16, a new Study / Work Item (SID / WID) was defined in [RP-171508] to support positioning in NR. The objective of this SID / WID is to evaluate potential solutions to address the NR positioning requirements defined in TR 38.913, TS 22.261, TR 22.872, and TR 22.804, while considering the Enhanced 911 (E911) requirements to perform positioning by analyzing the positioning accuracy (including latitude, precision, and altitude), availability, reliability, latency, network synchronization requirements, and / or user equipment (UE) / base station (gNB) complexity, and considering priorities to maximize, where possible, the synergies with the existing positioning support of the Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN). This SID / WID will study NR-based RAT-dependent methods as well as RAT-independent and hybrid positioning methods to address regulatory and commercial use cases.

[0011] The above information is presented as background information only to assist with an understanding of the present disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above might be applicable as prior art with regard to the present application. SUMMARY

[0012] TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0013] It is an object of certain examples of the present disclosure to at least partially address, solve and / or mitigate at least one of the problems and / or disadvantages associated with the related art, such as at least one of the problems and / or disadvantages described herein. It is an object of certain examples of the present disclosure to provide at least one advantage over the related art, such as at least one advantage described herein.

[0014] Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the application will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in con junction with the annexed drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments.

[0015] Solution

[0016] Accordingly, embodiments herein provide a method of configuring frequency layers, wherein each frequency layer comprises one or more frequency layer parts, wherein each frequency layer part comprises a contiguous set of frequencies defined by a bandwidth and a center frequency, and wherein a positioning reference signal (PRS) is mapped to each frequency layer. The method comprises configuring a first frequency layer for a first cell, wherein the first frequency layer comprises at least one frequency layer part FL1 having a bandwidth BW1 and a center frequency CF1. Further, the method comprises configuring a second frequency layer for a second cell, wherein the second frequency layer comprises at least one frequency layer part FL2 having a bandwidth BW2 and a center frequency CF2.

[0017] According to one embodiment, wherein BW1 is equal to BW2, or BW1 is not equal to BW2, and wherein CF1 is equal to CF2, or CF1 is not equal to CF2.

[0018] According to one embodiment, wherein each individual frequency layer supports one numerology.

[0019] According to one embodiment, wherein the first frequency layer comprises n frequency layer parts FL1-1, FL1-2, FL1-n having respective bandwidths BW1-1, BW1-2,..., BW1-n and respective center frequencies CF1-1, CF1-2,..., CF1-n; and wherein the second frequency layer comprises n frequency layer parts FL2-1, FL2-2,..., FL2-n having respective bandwidths BW2-1, BW2-2,..., BW2-n and respective center frequencies CF2-1, CF2-2,..., CF2-N.

[0020] According to one embodiment, wherein BW1-x is equal to BW2-x, or BW1-x is not equal to BW2-x, wherein CF1-x is equal to CF2-x, or CF1-x is not equal to CF2-x, and wherein x is 1, 2,..., n.

[0021] According to one embodiment, wherein each individual frequency layer supports n numerologies corresponding to the n frequency layer parts.

[0022] According to one embodiment, when a user equipment (UE) is configured with multiple frequency layers, the method further comprises one or more of: configuring a single PRS pattern and / or density within one frequency layer; configuring multiple PRS patterns and / or densities within one frequency layer separated in frequency domain and / or time domain; and configuring multiple PRS patterns and / or densities within one frequency layer at least partially overlapping in frequency domain and / or time domain.

[0023] According to one embodiment, when a user equipment (UE) is configured with multiple frequency layers, the method further comprises measuring, by the UE, the frequency layers, the frequency layers comprising one or more of: a frequency layer containing a synchronization signal block (SSB), a frequency layer having a numerology indicated by the SSB, and a frequency layer having a same numerology as a default bandwidth part (BWP). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1a 、 Figure 1b and Figure 1c shows various frequency layer configurations for PRS in the case of a single numerology supported by a single frequency layer in certain examples of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 2a 、 Figure 2b and Figure 2c shows various frequency layer configurations for PRS in the case of multiple numerologies supported by a single frequency layer in certain examples of the present disclosure; and

[0026] Figure 3 is a block diagram of an apparatus in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The following description of examples of the present disclosure is provided as an aid to understanding the invention as defined by the appended claims. The description includes various specific details in order to help the reader understand the examples described therein. However, these are merely examples and the reader will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the examples described herein without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0028] The same or similar components can be denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, although they can be shown in different figures.

[0029] Detailed descriptions of techniques, structures, constructions, functions or processes known in the art can be omitted for the sake of brevity and clarity.

[0030] The terms and words used herein are not limited to the bibliographical or standard meanings but are merely used to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention.

[0031] In this disclosure, the words "comprise", "comprising", and "contain" and variations thereof, such as "comprising" and "include", mean "including but not limited to", and are not intended to (and are not) exclude other features, elements, components, integers, steps, processes, operations, functions, features, characteristics, and / or groups thereof.

[0032] In this disclosure, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context requires otherwise. For example, reference to "an object" includes a reference to one or more objects.

[0033] In this disclosure, language of the form "X for Y" (where Y is some action, process, operation, function, activity, or step, and X is some apparatus for performing that action, process, operation, function, activity, or step) includes an apparatus X that is specifically adapted, configured, or arranged to perform Y.

[0034] Features, elements, components, integers, steps, processes, operations, functions, features, attributes, and / or groups thereof, described or disclosed in connection with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example of the present application, are not to be understood as being incompatible with, or not applicable to, any other aspect, embodiment, or example described or disclosed herein, unless incompatible or otherwise not applicable.

[0035] Certain examples of the present disclosure provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for configuring one or more frequency layers for PRS. For example, certain examples of the present disclosure provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for configuring one or more frequency layers for PRS in 3GPP 5G New Radio, NR. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present application is not limited to these examples and can be applied to any suitable system or standard, such as one or more existing and / or next generation wireless communication systems or standards, including any existing or future versions of the same standard specification, such as 3GPP 5G NR.

[0036] The following examples can apply to 3GPP 5G NR and use terminology related to 3GPP 5G NR. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the functions of the various entities disclosed herein can be applied to corresponding or equivalent entities in other communication systems or standards. Corresponding or equivalent entities can be considered to be entities that perform the same or similar roles within a network or system.

[0037] It will be appreciated that examples of the present disclosure can be realized in the form of hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software. Any such software can be stored in the form of volatile or non-volatile storage, for example, storage devices such as ROM, whether erasable or rewritable or memory, for example, RAM, chips, devices or integrated circuits. The software can be stored on such storage media or memory at the time of manufacturing, or distribution, or can be obtained by an apparatus from such storage media or memory as the apparatus executes. Alternatively, the software can be obtained, for example downloaded or uploaded, by an apparatus on the fly, for example, during an on-the-fly installation process or whilst the apparatus is running.

[0038] Certain examples of the present disclosure can provide a computer program including instructions or code which, when executed, implement the method, system, and / or apparatus according to any of the aspects, examples, and / or implementations disclosed herein. Certain examples of the present disclosure provide a machine-readable storage storing such a program.

[0039] Those skilled in the art will understand that the application is not limited to the particular implementations disclosed herein. For example, the techniques disclosed herein are not limited to 3GPP 5G NR. One or more entities in the examples disclosed herein can be replaced by one or more alternative entities performing equivalent or corresponding functions, processes, or operations. One or more additional elements or entities can be added to the examples disclosed herein. In certain examples, one or more non-essential elements or entities can be omitted. The functions, processes, or operations of a particular entity in one example can be divided among two or more separate entities in another example. The functions, processes, or operations of two or more separate entities in one example can be performed by a single entity in another example. If possible, the order of performing operations can be modified in alternative examples.

[0040] Certain examples of the present disclosure can be provided in the form of apparatuses / devices / network entities configured to perform one or more defined operations and / or methods thereof. Certain examples of the present disclosure can be provided in the form of systems and / or methods including one or more such apparatuses / devices / network entities. For example, those skilled in the art will appreciate that, in certain examples of the present disclosure, a frequency layer can be configured by a base station (e.g., gNB). In certain examples of the present disclosure, a method for configuring a frequency layer (or a method based on a configured frequency layer) can be performed in a device (e.g., UE).

[0041] Certain examples of the present disclosure provide methods and apparatuses for frequency layer configuration for NR positioning reference signals.

[0042] LTE positioning has been discussed in Rel-9 and Rel-11. In Rel-15 LTE, some RAT-dependent positioning techniques were endorsed. In 3GPP Rel-16, a SID / WID on NR positioning was approved, and the purpose of this WID is as follows.

[0043] Based on the above identified requirements, evaluate scenarios / methods, study and evaluate potential solutions for positioning techniques [RAN1]:

[0044] The solution shall include at least NR-based RAT-dependent positioning operating in FR1 and FR2, without excluding other positioning techniques;

[0045] The minimum bandwidth target (e.g., 5MHz) to support scalability of NR to the general extension of any application.

[0046] Study of positioning architecture for supporting positioning services, functional interfaces, protocols and procedures for NR-dependent positioning techniques, if needed; otherwise, confirmation is needed [RAN2, RAN3]:

[0047] Rel-15 NR positioning architecture / protocol is the starting point for the discussion, while considering the study of Rel-16 LCS architecture enhancements on the TSG SA side;

[0048] Common architecture with IoT and hybrid positioning;

[0049] The positioning architecture should support standalone NR for voice and data, including IoT services;

[0050] IoT use cases and efficient / low complexity signaling, including potential LPP evolution, are considered while seeking a common architecture;

[0051] End-to-end latency is considered to develop the positioning architecture.

[0052] It has been agreed that the starting physical resource block (PRB) of a downlink (DL) PRS resource is defined with respect to Point A, and each frequency layer provides a single Point A for DL PRS resource allocation. A UE can be configured with one or more frequency layers. Examples of the present disclosure provide configurations for frequency layers.

[0053] For DL, PRS can be mapped to resource elements (REs) of the frame structure according to any suitable mapping scheme (with PRS mapping pattern at subcarrier level or at resource block (RB) level).

[0054] The frame structure can be used for certain DL physical layer channels, such as a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) and a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for transmitting information (e.g., control signals and data) from a base station (e.g., gNB) to one or more mobile devices (e.g., UEs).

[0055] A frame can include a plurality of orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols, each OFDM symbol including a plurality of subcarriers (or component carriers (CCs)). Each subcarrier of each symbol can be referred to as a resource element (RE). The symbols can be considered to form a grid of REs with time along one axis of the grid and frequency along the other axis of the grid. A block of REs including a plurality (e.g., 12) of adjacent subcarriers can be defined as a physical resource block (PRB).

[0056] Uplink (UL) PRS can be transmitted in the frame structure for some UL physical layer channel, e.g., physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) and physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) for transmitting information (e.g., control signals and data) from a mobile device (e.g., UE) to a base station (e.g., gNB). UL PRS can be transmitted using the same or similar mapping pattern as DL PRS.

[0057] In 5G NR, a bandwidth part (BWP) is defined as a subset of contiguous common PRBs (e.g., in Section 4.4.5 of V15.2.0 of 3GPP TS 38.211, Release 15). A UE can be configured with up to four bandwidth parts in the downlink, with a single downlink bandwidth part in active state at a given time, and up to four bandwidth parts in the uplink, with a single uplink bandwidth part in active state at a given time.

[0058] In 5G NR, a UE is expected not to receive PDSCH, PDCCH, or CSI-RS (except for RRM) outside of the active BWP. A UE shall not transmit PUSCH or PUCCH outside of the active BWP. For an activated cell, a UE shall not transmit SRS outside of the active BWP.

[0059] The BWP concept allows a UE to perform bandwidth adaptation, where the UE can selectively operate with a narrow bandwidth (to reduce power consumption) or a wide bandwidth (when higher data rates are needed (e.g., bursty traffic case)). Moreover, the BWP concept addresses the issue that a UE can not be able to utilize the entire bandwidth available in 5G.

[0060] Given the above requirements, PRS should be mapped to a BWP. Furthermore, the BWPs (BWP1 and BWP2) of two different UEs (UE1 and UE2) can completely overlap, partially overlap, or not overlap. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the following techniques can be applied to DL and UL PRS.

[0061] In 3GPP 5G NR, numerology refers to the configuration of certain waveform parameters, specifically, the cyclic prefix (CP) size, subcarrier spacing, number of subframes per radio frame, number of slots per subframe, number of OFDM symbols per slot, and applicable frequency range. The statement in Section 5.5.4.1 of 3GPP TR 21.915 v15.0.0 is as follows:

[0062] Similar to LTE, OFDM with cyclic prefix (CP) is used as the downlink waveform for NR. In comparison to LTE, OFDM can also be used in the NR uplink (UL) direction. As a complementary waveform with lower peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) to improve UL coverage, DFT-s-OFDM (OFDM with discrete Fourier transform precoding) can be used in the uplink, although limited to single-layer transmission only. To cope with various deployment scenarios, NR supports a wide range of carrier frequency ranges (in two possible ranges) and channel bandwidths… To allow this flexibility, NR uses a flexible frame structure with different subcarrier spacings (SCS). The SCS is the distance between the centers of two consecutive subcarriers, with possible values of (in kHz) 15, 30, 60, 120, and 240. This is referred to as "numerology". Figure 1a

[0063] Figure 1bFigure 1c

[0064] Figure 2a Figure 2b Figure 2c

[0065] Examples of the present disclosure use the concept of a frequency layer (FL). The concept can be considered similar to the above-described concept of a BWP and / or the concept of a frequency layer in LTE. In section 3.1 of 3GPP TS 36.302 V12.4.0 Release 12, a frequency layer is defined as a set of cells with the same carrier frequency.

[0066] In examples of the present disclosure, a frequency layer can be considered a defined set of frequencies assigned to a set of one or more cells in a network. PRSs can be mapped to REs within a frequency layer. The set of frequencies that make up a frequency layer can be contiguous or non-contiguous. A contiguous block of frequencies that make up a frequency layer can be defined as a frequency layer portion. Thus, a frequency layer can include one or more frequency layer portions, each frequency layer portion including a contiguous block of frequencies. Each frequency layer portion can be defined by a bandwidth and a center frequency (or equivalent parameters). If a frequency layer includes only a single frequency layer portion, the frequency layer and the frequency layer portion can be considered the same.

[0067] In certain examples of the present disclosure, a first frequency layer including a set of one or more frequency layer portions can be assigned to each of a first set of one or more cells, and a second frequency layer including a set of one or more frequency layer portions can be assigned to each of a second set of one or more cells.

[0068] The frequency layer portions that make up a given frequency layer can be non-overlapping. The frequency layer portions that make up a given frequency layer can have the same bandwidth or different bandwidths.

[0069] In certain examples, the frequency layer portions that make up a given frequency layer can be the same as the frequency layer portions that make up a different frequency layer. In certain examples, some or all of the frequency layer portions that make up a given frequency layer can be different from the frequency layer portions that make up a different frequency layer. In certain examples, there can be at least some overlap (e.g., partial overlap or complete overlap) between the frequency layer portions that make up a given frequency layer and the frequency layer portions that make up a different frequency layer. In other examples, the frequency layer portions that make up a given frequency layer can not overlap with the frequency layer portions that make up a different frequency layer.

[0070] For example, a first frequency layer portion that makes up a first frequency layer can be the same as a second frequency layer portion that makes up a second frequency layer (e.g., have the same bandwidth and center frequency).

[0071] For example, a first frequency layer portion constituting a first frequency layer may differ from a first frequency layer portion constituting a second frequency layer (e.g., having different bandwidths and / or different center frequencies). In one example, the first and second frequency layer portions may have the same center frequency, but the first frequency layer portion may have a larger or smaller bandwidth than the second frequency layer portion. In another example, the first and second frequency layer portions may have different center frequencies, but may have the same bandwidth, which may result in no overlap, partial overlap, or complete overlap between the first and second frequency layer portions, depending on the common bandwidth of the frequency layer portions and the center frequency offset between the frequency layer portions. In yet another example, the first and second frequency layer portions may have different center frequencies and different bandwidths, which may result in no overlap, partial overlap, or complete overlap between the first and second frequency layer portions, depending on the bandwidth of the frequency layer portions and the center frequency offset between the frequency layer portions.

[0072] The following describes various examples for configuring the frequency layer. Those skilled in the art will understand that the examples disclosed herein are not exhaustive and that other configurations may be used.

[0073] Single frequency layer configuration

[0074] For each individual frequency layer, there are two optional (Alt) configuration options:

[0075] Alt1: A single frequency layer supports only one set of parameters;

[0076] Alt2: A single frequency layer can support multiple parameter sets.

[0077] A set of parameters

[0078] For Alt1, PRS resources can be configured as follows:

[0079] Alt1a: as Figure 3 As shown, the same frequency location and bandwidth are configured for each frequency layer;

[0080] Alt1b: as Figure 3 As shown, each frequency layer can be configured with the same center frequency position or edge frequency position, but different bandwidths can be configured.

[0081] Alt1c: as ​ As shown, the center frequency position or edge frequency position and bandwidth can be configured differently for each frequency layer.

[0082] Alt1a's advantage is reduced complexity because the frequency layers have the same location and bandwidth. Alt1c's advantage is reduced inter-cell interference because the frequency layers do not overlap. Alt1b can be applied where the UE capabilities necessitate limiting the bandwidth of the frequency layers.

[0083] Multi-parameter set

[0084] For Alt2, PRS resources can be configured as follows:

[0085] Alt2a: Multiple frequency positions can be configured, each corresponding to a parameter set, but... ​ The diagram shows that each parameter set in each frequency layer is configured with the same frequency location and bandwidth;

[0086] Alt2b: Multiple frequency positions can be configured, each frequency position corresponding to a parameter set, but... ​ The diagram shows that each parameter set in each frequency layer is configured with the same center frequency position or edge frequency position; however, different bandwidths can be configured for each parameter set within each frequency layer.

[0087] Alt2c: such as ​ As shown, the center frequency position or edge frequency position and bandwidth can be configured differently for each parameter set in each frequency layer.

[0088] Multiple frequency layer configuration

[0089] A UE can be configured with N frequency layers. However, for each UE, only a limited number of frequency layers, set to K, can be activated at a time. Both N and K should depend on the UE's capabilities and should be reported in the UE capability report. A similar example to BWP configuration is that a UE can be configured with up to 4 frequency layers, but only one frequency layer can be activated at a time.

[0090] K can also depend on whether a measurement gap is configured. If no measurement gap is configured, UE measurements are restricted to the active BWP. In this case, the UE cannot measure multiple frequency layers. However, if a measurement gap is configured, UE measurements can be performed outside the active BWP. Therefore, the UE can measure multiple (more than one) frequency layers simultaneously, depending on its capabilities.

[0091] Another issue is which frequency layer the UE should measure by default when multiple frequency layers are configured. Consider the following Alt:

[0092] Alt1: Frequency layer containing synchronization signal blocks (SSBs);

[0093] Alt2: Frequency layer with parameter set indicated by SSB;

[0094] Alt3: Frequency layer with same numerology as default BWP.

[0095] In addition to the above proposals, the frequency layer configuration can also depend on other factors, e.g. PRS pattern / density, and the following Alts can be considered:

[0096] Alt1: Configure single PRS density / pattern within one frequency layer;

[0097] Alt2: Configure multiple PRS density / pattern within one frequency layer, but they are separated in frequency / time domain;

[0098] Alt3: Configure multiple PRS density / pattern within one frequency layer, but allow them to partially overlap in frequency / time domain.

[0099] ​ is a block diagram of an exemplary network entity that can be used in examples of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that ​ The illustrated network entity can be implemented, for example, on a dedicated hardware, as a software instance running on a dedicated hardware, or as a virtualized function instantiated on an appropriate platform, e.g. on a cloud infrastructure.

[0100] The entity 400 includes a processor (or controller) 401, a transmitter 403, and a receiver 405. The receiver 405 is configured to receive one or more signals from one or more other network entities. The transmitter 403 is configured to transmit one or more signals to one or more other network entities. The processor 401 is configured to perform operations as described above.

[0101] The techniques described herein can be implemented using any suitably configured apparatus and / or system. Such apparatus and / or system can be configured to perform a method according to any aspect, embodiment, or example disclosed herein. Such apparatus can include one or more elements, e.g., one or more of a receiver, a transmitter, a transceiver, a processor, a controller, a module, a unit, etc., each configured to perform one or more respective processes, operations, and / or method steps to implement the techniques described herein. For example, the operations / functions of X can be performed by a module configured to perform X (or X module). The one or more elements can be implemented in the form of hardware, software, or any combination of hardware and software.

[0102] While the application has been illustrated and described with reference to certain examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details can be made therein without departing from the scope of the application as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system, the method comprising: Receive configuration information from a network entity for multiple frequency layers, wherein each of the multiple frequency layers corresponds to a consecutive frequency allocated to one or more cells associated with each frequency layer, and includes resources mapped to a Positioning Reference Signal (PRS); and Receive the PRS from the one or more cells based on the configuration information. Depending on whether a measurement gap is configured, one or more of the plurality of frequency layers are activated for the UE. Without configuring the measurement gap, the UE is able to measure the frequency layer within the active bandwidth portion (BWP). With the measurement gap configured, the UE is able to perform measurements outside the active bandwidth portion (BWP) and can measure multiple frequency layers at once, depending on the UE's capabilities.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Each frequency layer supports a set of parameters associated with at least one of the subcarrier spacing (SCS) parameter or the cyclic prefix (CP) parameter.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Up to four frequency layers can be configured for the UE.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, A single PRS density is configured within each frequency layer.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Each frequency layer includes one or more of the following: Frequency layer containing synchronization signal blocks (SSBs); A frequency layer with a parameter set indicated by the SSB; and Frequency layer with the same parameter set as the default BWP.

6. A user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system, the UE comprising: transceiver; as well as A controller, coupled to the transceiver and configured to: Receive configuration information from a network entity for multiple frequency layers, wherein each of the multiple frequency layers corresponds to a consecutive frequency allocated to one or more cells associated with each frequency layer, and includes resources mapped to a Positioning Reference Signal (PRS); and Receive the PRS from the one or more cells based on the configuration information. Depending on whether a measurement gap is configured, one or more of the plurality of frequency layers are activated for the UE. Without configuring the measurement gap, the UE is able to measure the frequency layer within the active bandwidth portion (BWP). With the measurement gap configured, the UE is able to perform measurements outside the active bandwidth portion (BWP) and can measure multiple frequency layers at once, depending on the UE's capabilities.

7. The UE according to claim 6, wherein, Each frequency layer supports a parameter set associated with at least one of the subcarrier spacing (SCS) parameter or the cyclic prefix (CP) parameter. Up to four frequency layers can be configured for the UE, and A single PRS density is configured within each frequency layer.

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