Expanded bandwidth allocation

Abstract

Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to devices, methods, apparatus, and computer-readable storage media for extended bandwidth allocation. In an example embodiment, a first device receives an indication of a reference bandwidth from a second device. The first device receives an indication of a bandwidth extended from the reference bandwidth from the second device, and receives an indication of at least one frequency offset of a first narrowband set relative to a second narrowband set associated with the reference bandwidth from the second device. The first device then determines a first narrowband set for communication with the second device based on the reference bandwidth, the extended bandwidth, and the at least one frequency offset.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the field of communications, and more particularly to devices, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable storage media for extended bandwidth allocation. Background Art

[0002] In enhanced machine type communication (eMTC) of long term evolution (LTE), eMTC devices can operate in different LTE system bandwidths. To enable eMTC to coexist with new radio (NR) in LTE, when eMTC devices operate in LTE carriers deployed within the NR system bandwidth, the minimum system bandwidth for eMTC will be 1.4 MHz for backward compatibility with traditional eMTC devices. The system bandwidth can also be 3 MHz or 5 MHz. If the system bandwidth is larger (such as 20 MHz), more physical resources can be used for eMTC, and more eMTC devices can be supported, with a larger channel capacity.

[0003] However, if a larger channel bandwidth is allocated for eMTC, more resources will be reserved for eMTC in the NR system. As a result, scheduling flexibility (such as core set resource allocation) will be reduced, and NR performance will also be degraded. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Generally speaking, example embodiments of the present disclosure provide devices, methods, apparatus, and computer-readable storage media for extended bandwidth allocation.

[0005] In a first aspect, a first device is provided, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the first device to receive an indication of a reference bandwidth from a second device. The first device is further configured to receive, from the second device, an indication of a bandwidth extended from the reference bandwidth, and to receive, from the second device, an indication of at least one frequency offset of a first narrowband set relative to a second narrowband set associated with the reference bandwidth. The first device is configured to determine, based on the reference bandwidth, the extended bandwidth, and the at least one frequency offset, a first narrowband set for communication with the second device.

[0006] In a second aspect, a second device is provided, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the second device to send an indication of a reference bandwidth to a first device. The second device is further configured to determine a bandwidth extended from the reference bandwidth and at least one frequency offset of a first narrowband set relative to a second narrowband set associated with the reference bandwidth. The second device is further configured to send the indication of the extended bandwidth and the at least one frequency offset to the first device to enable communication with the first device in the first narrowband set.

[0007] In a third aspect, a method is provided. In the method, a first device receives an indication of a reference bandwidth from a second device. The first device receives, from the second device, an indication of a bandwidth extended from the reference bandwidth, and an indication of at least one frequency offset of a first narrowband set relative to a second narrowband set associated with the reference bandwidth. The first device is then caused to determine a first narrowband set for communication with the second device based on the reference bandwidth, the extended bandwidth, and the at least one frequency offset.

[0008] In a fourth aspect, a method is provided. In the method, a second device sends an indication of a reference bandwidth to a first device. Additionally, the second device determines a bandwidth extended from the reference bandwidth and at least one frequency offset of a first narrowband set relative to a second narrowband set associated with the reference bandwidth. The second device then sends the indication of the extended bandwidth and the at least one frequency offset to the first device to enable communication with the first device in the first narrowband set.

[0009] In a fifth aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising means for performing the method according to the third aspect or the fourth aspect.

[0010] In a sixth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, comprising program instructions stored thereon, wherein when the instructions are executed by a processor of a device, the device executes the method according to the third aspect or the fourth aspect.

[0011] It should be understood that the invention summary is not intended to identify the key or essential features of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become readily understood through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Some example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] Figures 1(a) and 1(b) illustrate example resource allocations for LTE eMTC and NR coexistence;

[0014] Figure 2illustrates an example environment in which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented;

[0015] Figures 3(a), 3(b), and 3(c) show example NB deployments in different bandwidths;

[0016] Figure 4 illustrates a flow chart of an example method according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 5 illustrates example bandwidth extension according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 6 illustrates example bandwidth extension according to some other example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 7 a flowchart illustrating example methods according to some other example embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0020] Figure 8 A simplified block diagram of a device suitable for implementing example embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0021] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The principles of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these exemplary embodiments are described only to illustrate and help those skilled in the art understand and implement the present disclosure, and do not imply any limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. The disclosure described herein can be implemented in various ways except for the manner described below.

[0023] In the following description and claims, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0024] As used herein, the term "terminal device" or "user equipment" (UE) refers to any terminal device capable of wirelessly communicating with each other or with a base station. Communication may involve the transmission and / or reception of wireless signals using electromagnetic signals, radio waves, infrared signals, and / or other types of signals suitable for transmitting information over the air. In some example embodiments, the UE may be configured to transmit and / or receive information without direct human interaction. For example, when triggered by an internal or external event, or in response to a request from the network side, the UE may transmit information to the base station according to a predetermined schedule.

[0025] Examples of UE include, but are not limited to, smartphones, wireless-enabled tablets, laptop embedded equipment (LEE), laptop mounted equipment (LME), wireless customer premises equipment (CPE), sensors, metering devices, personal wearable devices (such as watches), and / or vehicles capable of communication. For the purposes of discussion, some example embodiments will be described with reference to UE as an example of a terminal device, and the terms "terminal device" and "user equipment" (UE) may be used interchangeably in the context of this disclosure. A UE may also correspond to the mobile terminal (MT) portion of an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node (also known as a relay node).

[0026] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a device via which services can be provided to terminal devices in a communication network. As an example, a network device may include a base station. As used herein, the term "base station" (BS) refers to a network device via which services can be provided to terminal devices in a communication network. A base station may include any appropriate device via which a terminal device or UE can access a communication network. Examples of base stations include relays, access points (APs), transmission points (TRPs), node Bs (NodeBs or NBs), evolved NodeBs (eNodeBs or eNBs), new radio (NR) NodeBs (gNBs), remote radio modules (RRUs), radio heads (RHs), remote radio heads (RRHs), low-power nodes (such as femto, pico, etc.). A relay node may correspond to the distributed unit (DU) portion of an IAB node.

[0027] As used herein, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) a pure hardware circuit implementation (such as an implementation solely in analog and / or digital circuitry) and (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as, as applicable: (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry and software / firmware, and (ii) any portion of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s), software and memory(s) that work together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions) and (c) hardware circuit(s) and / or processor(s), such as microprocessor(s) or portion(s) of microprocessor(s) that require software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but where the software is not required for operation, the software may be absent.

[0028] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, the term circuitry also covers a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular base station, or other computing or base station, if applicable to the particular claim element.

[0029] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term "including" and its variations should be understood as open terms meaning "including, but not limited to." The term "based on" should be understood as "based, at least in part, on." The terms "one embodiment" and "an embodiment" should be understood as meaning "at least one embodiment." The term "another embodiment" should be understood as meaning "at least one other embodiment." Additional definitions, both explicit and implicit, may be included below.

[0030] As used herein, the terms "first," "second," etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, which should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element without departing from the scope of the example embodiments. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0031] Research is underway to potentially support MTC transmissions outside the legacy LTE system bandwidth, while supporting legacy LTE-MTC transmissions for legacy LTE-MTC user equipment (UE) within the legacy LTE system bandwidth. In this way, the cost of reserving resources in NR for things like cell-specific reference signals (CRS), system information block 1 (SIB1) bandwidth reduction (SIB1-BR), and paging can be reduced. The goal of this research is to reduce the number of physical resource blocks (PRBs) reserved in NR while still being able to improve eMTC performance by leveraging the additional PRB allocations.

[0032] Figures 1(a) and 1(b) illustrate example resource allocations for LTE eMTC and NR coexistence. As shown in Figure 1(a), two sets of additional eMTC PRBs 115 and 120 are allocated to eMTC in an NR carrier 105, for example, in addition to the 1.4 MHz eMTC carrier 110. In Figure 1(b), an additional set of eMTC PRBs 120 is allocated in addition to the eMTC carrier 110 in the NR carrier 105. As shown, the additional PRBs can be allocated on either or both sides of the eMTC carrier 110. The number of allocated PRBs can be indicated to the UE.

[0033] To support the use of PRBs outside the traditional LTE bandwidth, the following issues need to be addressed:

[0034] How to allocate additional PRBs for new UEs (or NR UEs)?

[0035] How to avoid resource conflicts between legacy UEs and new UEs, especially when frequency hopping is enabled?

[0036] How to indicate the frequency domain location of the additional PRBs to the new UE?

[0037] How to avoid the impact on traditional UE?

[0038] In transmissions outside the eMTC bandwidth, the additional PRBs may be part of a newly defined narrowband (NB) or may be considered part of a virtual carrier (e.g., a virtual 3MHz eMTC carrier) that can be dynamically assigned. These PRBs may not carry CRS. CRS may be transmitted on demand, or a DMRS-based transmission mode may be used.

[0039] Example embodiments of the present disclosure provide a resource allocation scheme in which an extended frequency band (e.g., including PRBs) is allocated to a device for communication. With this scheme, in addition to a reference bandwidth having a narrowband set (e.g., a traditional NB), the device also indicates a bandwidth extended from the reference bandwidth and a frequency offset of an additional set of NBs (e.g., extended NBs) relative to the NB set associated with the reference bandwidth. Based on the frequency offset, the reference bandwidth, and the extended bandwidth, the device determines the extended bandwidth set to use for communication.

[0040] In some example embodiments, the communications include an eMTC carrier deployed within an NR carrier. In these example embodiments, the legacy LTE system bandwidth (e.g., 1.4 MHz) may be broadcast by a network device (such as an eNB) to provide a base NB for eMTC use. A frequency offset may be indicated to a terminal device (such as a UE) in a master information block (MIB), system information block (SIB), or radio resource control (RRC) signaling. The frequency offset may represent an offset in the frequency domain from the lowest E-NB to the lowest base NB, where the lowest base NB is the lowest narrowband in the frequency domain within the legacy LTE system bandwidth. The value of the frequency offset may be negative or positive, depending on the specific E-NB allocation relative to the lowest base NB in the frequency domain. An extended bandwidth for the E-NB is also indicated to the terminal device, for example, in the SIB or RRC signaling. The terminal device uses three parameters, including the frequency offset, the broadcast legacy LTE bandwidth, and the extended bandwidth, to determine the frequency domain location (e.g., the exact PRB location) where the E-NB is located.

[0041] In some example embodiments, the terminal device may report the ability to support additional PRB usage. In addition, the RRC or other higher layers signal the terminal device whether the feature of additional PRB usage is enabled or disabled. The E-NB may be adjacent to a legacy or basic NB and include the same number of PRBs as the basic NB (e.g., 6 PRBs). Accordingly, new additional PRB resources in units of 6 PRBs may be freely allocated adjacent to the eMTC narrowband. In some example embodiments, the E-NB and basic NB may be re-indexed within the extended bandwidth. With the proposed scheme, frequency domain resources may be used more efficiently without affecting traditional UE behavior.

[0042] Figure 2 An example environment 200 is shown in which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented.

[0043] Environment 200, which may be part of a communication network, includes devices 210 and 220 communicating with each other, which are referred to as first device 210 and second device 220, respectively. The first and second devices 210 and 220 may be implemented by any appropriate devices in the communication network. For example, the first device 210 may be implemented by a terminal device (such as a UE), and the second device 220 may be implemented by a network device (such as a base station). As another example, both the first device 210 and the second device 220 may be implemented by a terminal device. For discussion purposes only, in some example embodiments, a terminal device will be taken as an example of the first device 210, and a network device will be taken as an example of the second device 220.

[0044] The two devices shown in environment 200 are for illustration only and do not imply any limitation. Environment 200 may include any suitable number of devices. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, first device 210 is implemented by a terminal device, and second device 220 is implemented by a network device. Environment 200 may include another terminal device that communicates with second device 220.

[0045] Communications in environment 200 may follow any appropriate communication standards or protocols that already exist or will be developed in the future, such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Fifth Generation (5G) New Radio (NR), Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), and Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) standards, and employ any appropriate communication technology, for example, Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), Time Division Multiplexing (TDM), Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM), Code Division Multiplexing (CDM), Bluetooth, ZigBee, Machine Type Communication (MTC), Enhanced Machine Type Communication (eMTC), Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC), Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC), Carrier Aggregation (CA), Dual Connectivity (DC), and New Radio Unlicensed (NR-U) technology.

[0046] The first device 210 can use one or more NBs for communicating with the second device 220 (such as in an eMTC). Figures 3(a), 3(b), and 3(c) illustrate NB definitions in different example bandwidths 305, 310, and 315 for traditional deployments. As shown in Figure 3(a), the 1.4 MHz bandwidth 305 is provided with a NB 320, labeled NB0. As shown in Figure 3(b), the 3 MHz bandwidth 310 is provided with two NBs 325 and 330, labeled NB0 and NB1.

[0047] The narrowband may include 6 PRBs. If the number of PRBs in the bandwidth is not equal to an integer multiple of 6 (the number of PRBs in the narrowband), the remaining PRBs outside the narrowband(s) in the bandwidth are not allocated to eMTC. The positions of all NBs and therefore the positions of the unallocated PRBs may be defined in the eMTC specification for all supported LTE system bandwidths. If the system bandwidth contains an odd number of PRBs, there may always be one unallocated PRB in the middle of the bandwidth, which appears as a frequency gap between consecutive narrowbands. For all system bandwidths greater than 1.4 MHz, there may be allocated frequency bands at either edge of the bandwidth that include at least one PRB.

[0048] Therefore, within the 3 MHz bandwidth 310, there are three unallocated frequency bands 335, 340, and 345 that are not used for communication. Each of the unallocated frequency bands 335, 340, and 345 may include one PRB. An unallocated frequency band may also include any other integer number of PRBs. As shown in FIG3(c), the 5 MHz bandwidth 345 is provided with four NBs 350, 355, 360, and 365 (labeled as NB0, NB1, NB2, and NB3) and one unallocated frequency band 370 (e.g., one PRB).

[0049] Table 1 shows the number of NBs in six bandwidths used in eMTC in LTE, for example.

[0050]

[0051] In various example embodiments, when allocating resources to the first device 210, in addition to or in lieu of: Figure 3(a) to Figure 3(c) In addition to the NBs in the bandwidth shown in FIG, one or more extended NBs (E-NBs) are assigned to the first device 210. The first device 210 receives three parameters from the second device 220, including a reference bandwidth, an extended bandwidth, and a frequency offset of the E-NB set relative to the basic NB set associated with the reference bandwidth. Thus, the first device 210 determines the frequency domain location of the E-NB, for example, the exact PRB location.

[0052] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating an example method 400 for bandwidth extension according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 400 may be performed by Figure 2 For the purpose of discussion, reference will be made to the first device 210. Figure 2 Method 400 is described.

[0053] At block 405, the first device 210 receives an indication of a reference bandwidth from the second device 220. The reference bandwidth may be a legacy LTE system bandwidth, such as 1.4 MHz, 3 MHz, 5 MHz, 10 MHz, 15 MHz, and 20 MHz as shown in Table 1. The indication may be broadcast by the second device 220, for example, in a physical broadcast channel (PBCH). The indication may also be sent via UE-specific signaling.

[0054] At block 410, the first device 210 receives an indication of a bandwidth extended from a reference bandwidth from the second device 220. The indication may be carried in an SIB or RRC signaling. Other broadcast or dedicated signaling or messages may be used to transmit the indication. The extended bandwidth may be any suitable bandwidth extended from the reference bandwidth, such as 3 MHz, 5 MHz, 10 MHz, 15 MHz, and 20 MHz.

[0055] In some example embodiments, if first device 210 has the capability to support a bandwidth greater than 20 MHz, more resources may be available to first device 210. For example, second device 220 may broadcast another bandwidth parameter, which may be the cell bandwidth of NR (e.g., 100 MHz). In this case, first device 210 may indicate to second device 220 its capability to use a larger system bandwidth. Thus, the extended bandwidth allocated by second device 220 may be the cell bandwidth of NR, such as 100 MHz.

[0056] At block 415, the first device 210 receives an indication of at least one frequency offset of a set of NBs (e.g., E-NBs) (referred to as a first set) relative to another set of NBs (e.g., legacy NBs) associated with a reference bandwidth (referred to as a second set). The indication may also be sent using SIB or RRC signaling or any other appropriate signaling or message. The second set of NBs may include NBs within any one of the different reference bandwidths, such as Figure 2 The number of NBs in the second set may be the same as the number shown in Table 1 for the corresponding bandwidth.

[0057] The first set of NBs may include any appropriate number of NBs depending on the network implementation. The number of NBs in the first set may be different for DL and UL communications. In some example embodiments, at least one frequency offset may include a frequency offset between a reference NB in the first set of NBs (referred to as the first reference NB) and a reference NB in the second set of NBs (referred to as the second reference NB). The frequency offset may be indicated by the number of PRBs. Thus, the indication of the frequency offset may be implemented by the number of PRBs.

[0058] The first reference NB may be the lowest NB in a first set of NBs in the frequency domain. The second reference NB may be the lowest NB in a second set of NBs in the frequency domain. The value of the frequency offset may be negative or positive, depending on the allocation of the first reference NB relative to the second reference NB in the frequency domain.

[0059] The first set of NBs may include consecutive NBs. Therefore, only one frequency offset may be sufficient to indicate the position of the first set of NBs relative to the second set of NBs. Alternatively or additionally, the first set of NBs may include consecutive NBs. In this case, more than one frequency offset may be indicated to the first device 210 to specify the position of the consecutive NBs relative to the second set of NBs.

[0060] The NBs in the first set may occupy resources of any appropriate size. For example, the NBs in the first set may occupy a predefined or dynamically configured number of PRBs. In some example embodiments, the number of PRBs may be the same as that in a traditional NB in LTE, such as 6 PRBs. The additional PRBs for the first set of NBs are outside the reference bandwidth. The unit of the additional PRBs is a single PRB.

[0061] In some example embodiments, the first set of NBs may be adjacent to legacy NBs. That is, no unallocated frequency bands (or PRBs) are interposed between the second set of NBs and the first set of NBs. This eliminates the need to indicate unallocated frequency bands, further reducing system overhead. The first set of NBs may be on either or both sides of the second NB. Regardless of which side the first set of NBs is on, there may be no unallocated frequency bands or PRBs between the first and second sets of NBs.

[0062] In some example embodiments, for DL communications, only a portion of the duration (e.g., some subframes) for NBs in the first set carries a cell-specific reference signal (CRS). Other subframes may include CRS only when there is a transmission in the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) / MTC physical downlink control channel (MPDCCH), further reducing reserved resources and improving resource efficiency.

[0063] In some example embodiments, the reference bandwidth may be extended if first device 210 supports extension. In these embodiments, first device 210 may send an indication of its ability to use the extended bandwidth to second device 220. Second device 220 will then be aware that first device 210 supports bandwidth extension and will allocate the extended bandwidth to first device 210. In some example embodiments, second device 220 may send an indication to enable the extended bandwidth. In response to this indication, first device 210 will be aware that the extended bandwidth is available. If the extended bandwidth is not allocated to first device 210, second device 220 may also send an indication to first device 210 to disable the extended bandwidth.

[0064] At block 420, based on the reference bandwidth, the extended bandwidth, and the at least one frequency offset, the first device 210 determines a first set of NBs for communication with the second device 220. Furthermore, the first device 210 may receive an indication of allocated frequency resources from the first set of NBs from the second device 220. The frequency resources may be allocated by the second device 220 or another appropriate device or entity. The first device 210 may communicate with the second device 220 using the allocated frequency resources.

[0065] For legacy devices (eg, legacy UEs), a second set of NBs (eg, legacy NBs) may be used for communication. In this way, legacy UEs do not need to be aware of the extended narrowband and may operate normally, thereby achieving backward compatibility.

[0066] In some example embodiments, the first device 210 may re-index the first set of NBs and the second set of NBs within the extended bandwidth. The re-indexing may be in the order of increasing the number of PRBs.

[0067] Figure 5 Example bandwidth extension according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0068] In this example, the 1.4 MHz reference bandwidth 505 is extended to a 3 MHz extended bandwidth 510 and a 5 MHz extended bandwidth 515. For example, in an example embodiment where the first device 210 is implemented by a UE and the second device 220 is implemented by a base station, the PBCH can be used by the second device 220 to indicate to the first device 210 that the original system bandwidth is 1.4 MHz. The first device 210 can indicate that the bandwidth will be extended to a 3 MHz or 5 MHz channel bandwidth via SIB or RRC signaling. The first set of NBs includes E-NBs, and the second set of NBs includes legacy NBs.

[0069] For a 1.4MHz system bandwidth (including 6 PRBs), 1.08MHz can be used for data transmission, and the other frequency resources are not allocated. Figure 5 In this example, unallocated frequency bands are not required for resource expansion. For the traditional narrowband of the 3 MHz system bandwidth, frequency gaps are not required. In this case, the new narrowband is adjacent to the original narrowband.

[0070] In the case where the 1.4 MHz reference bandwidth 505 is extended to the 3 MHz extended bandwidth 510, the indicated frequency offset is -1. This means that the lowest E-NB 520 is one NB lower than the lowest legacy NB 525 (labeled as NB0 in the reference bandwidth 505). As shown, in the extended bandwidth 510, two NBs 520 and 525 are re-indexed. E-NB 520 is the starting NB, labeled as NB0, while legacy NB 525 is labeled as NB1. After indicating the extended bandwidth 510 to the first device 210, the first device 210 can determine that there are two NBs, including NB0 and NB1, for resource allocation.

[0071] When the 1.4 MHz reference bandwidth 505 is extended to the 5 MHz extended bandwidth 515, the indicated frequency offset is -2. This means that the lowest E-NB 530 is two NBs lower than the lowest NB 525 (the original NB0 in the reference bandwidth 505). After indicating the 5 MHz extended bandwidth 515 to the first device 210, the first device 210 knows that there are three E-NBs 530, 535, and 540 for resource allocation. The NBs within the 5 MHz extended bandwidth 515 are re-indexed, with the lowest E-NB 530 labeled as NB0, the other two E-NBs 535 and 540 labeled as NB1 and NB3, and the legacy NB 525 labeled as NB2.

[0072] As described above, in the 3 MHz and 5 MHz extended bandwidths 510 and 515, the index NB0 in the 1.4 MHz bandwidth 505 is reindexed to NB1 and NB2, respectively. The reindexing is based on the frequency domain position of the E-NB (e.g., additional PRBs) relative to the legacy NB in the 1.4 MHz bandwidth 505. If the new NB (or E-NB) is "below" the original NB0 in the frequency domain (i.e., a negative offset from the legacy NB0), reindexing is not required if the new NB is "above." The "below" / "above" position corresponds to a negative / positive offset.

[0073] Figure 6 Example bandwidth extension according to some other example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0074] In this example, something like Figure 5 As shown, the first set of NBs includes E-NBs, and the second set of NBs includes legacy NBs. A 3 MHz reference bandwidth 605 is extended to a 5 MHz extended bandwidth 610. According to Table 1, the 3 MHz reference bandwidth 605 may include 15 PRBs, and the 5 MHz extended bandwidth 610 may include 25 PRBs. The reference bandwidth 605 includes two NBs 615 and 620 (labeled NB0 and NB1) and three unused frequency bands 625, 630, and 635. The offset is "+2," so two upper E-NBs 640 and 645, labeled NB2 and NB3, are added. Since the offset is positive, no re-indexing is required.

[0075] E-NBs 640 and 645 are adjacent to legacy NBs 615 and 620. Therefore, the upper edge unallocated band 635 (e.g., PRB) is used by the new NB 640 and is no longer reserved. As shown, unallocated bands 625 and 630 remain unchanged; they remain unused but are counted toward the new bandwidth 610.

[0076] In an example embodiment where a legacy NB or E-NB includes PRBs, the first device 210 may first identify the allocated narrowband, which may be a legacy NB or E-NB. The first device 210 may then identify the PRB(s) in the NB or E-NB. If no E-NB is adjacent to the PRB, the guard PRB (not belonging to the NB) in the reference bandwidth may be retained. If an E-NB is adjacent to the PRB, the unallocated PRB (not belonging to the NB) in the reference bandwidth may be removed. That is, this PRB is being mapped to the E-NB.

[0077] In some example embodiments, the particular E-NB to be used by first device 210 depends on network scheduling.The total number of available E-NBs is equal to or less than the total number of NBs in the extended bandwidth minus the number of legacy NBs in the reference bandwidth.

[0078] In the example embodiment where the reference bandwidth is the legacy LTE system bandwidth, for DL or UL resource allocation, the number of bits used for the resource block assignment field is Used for physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) scheduling in control element (CE) mode A, where the parameters The LTE system bandwidth is expressed in terms of the number of uplink PRBs. To schedule additional PRBs outside the reference bandwidth, this parameter Can be used instead to indicate extended bandwidth.

[0079] In some example embodiments, the first device 210 may use only E-NB for communication. Legacy NB is used by legacy terminal devices to maintain backward compatibility with legacy devices. Figure 6 In the illustrated extended bandwidth 610, legacy NBs 615 and 620 (labeled NB0 and NB1) can be used by legacy UEs that are unaware of E-NBs 640 and 645 (labeled NB2 and NB3). For example, the legacy UE transmits on a PRB in NB0 and then transmits in NB1. First device 210 can use E-NBs 640 and 645 for communication. In some other example embodiments, first device 210 can use all four NBs 615, 620, 640, and 645 for communication.

[0080] In some example embodiments, the first device 210 may utilize frequency hopping during communication. The hopping pattern may be predefined or dynamically configured. For example, in an example embodiment where only a first set of NBs is allocated, the first device 210 may utilize only the first set of NBs to hop the UE-specific MPDCCH search space and PDSCH / Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH). In an example embodiment where all NBs within the extended bandwidth (including the first set of NBs and the second set of NBs) are available, the first device 210 may hop across all NBs. The first device 210 may also hop only within the second set of NBs. For a certain terminal device (e.g., a legacy UE), frequency hopping may occur within the second set of NBs (e.g., a legacy NB).

[0081] To further increase the flexibility of resource allocation, in some example embodiments, a portion of the duration for a NB in the first set (e.g., an E-NB) may be used by legacy devices. For example, some symbols in the E-NB may be used by legacy UEs. In some cases, the E-NB may include PRBs with a higher subcarrier spacing (SCS). Thus, only a portion of the subframe may be used by NR scheduling, while the remaining portion may be used for LTE-M. In some example embodiments, some additional bits in the DCI may indicate the OFDM symbols applicable to the first device 210 within the E-NB. Other implementations for indicating available symbols are possible.

[0082] Figure 7 FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an example method 700 for bandwidth extension according to some other example embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 700 may be performed by Figure 2 The second device 220 shown is implemented. For the purpose of discussion, reference will be made to Figure 2 Method 700 is described.

[0083] At block 705, the second device 220 sends an indication of a reference bandwidth to the first device 210. The indication of the reference bandwidth may be broadcast by the second device 220.

[0084] At block 710, the second device 220 determines a bandwidth extended from a reference bandwidth and at least one frequency offset of the first set of NBs relative to the second set of NBs associated with the reference bandwidth. The extended bandwidth may include a cell bandwidth.

[0085] The first NB set may be adjacent to the second NB set. The first NB set may be on either side or both sides of the second NB set. In some example embodiments, the at least one frequency offset may include a frequency offset of a first reference NB in the first NB set relative to a second reference NB in the second NB set. In some example embodiments, the indication of the frequency offset of the first reference narrowband relative to the second reference narrowband may include the number of PRBs.

[0086] At block 715, the second device 220 sends an indication of the extended bandwidth and an indication of at least one frequency offset to the first device 210 to allow communication with the first device 210 in the first narrowband set. The indication of the extended bandwidth and / or frequency offset may be sent by the second device 220 in SIB and / or RRC signaling.

[0087] In some example embodiments, second device 220 may be allocated frequency resources from the first set of NBs for communication with first device 210. Second device 220 may then send an indication of the allocated frequency resources to first device 210. As a result, second device 220 may communicate with first device 210 in the allocated frequency resources. In some example embodiments, second device 220 may communicate with other devices (such as legacy devices) using the second set of NBs.

[0088] In some example embodiments, second device 220 may receive an indication of the capability to use the extended bandwidth from first device 210. Second device 220 may send an indication to first device 210 to enable the extended bandwidth.

[0089] In some example embodiments, the communication is performed using frequency hopping in at least one of the first set of NBs and the second set of NBs.

[0090] As mentioned above Figures 2 to 6 All operations and features described in the method 400 at the first device 210 are also applicable to the method 700 at the second device 220 and have similar effects. For simplicity, details will be omitted.

[0091] Figure 8 is a simplified block diagram of a device 800 suitable for implementing an example embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 As shown, the device 800 can be implemented at the first device 210 or the second device 220 or as a part of the first device 210 or the second device 220.

[0092] As shown, device 800 includes a processor 810, a memory 820 coupled to processor 810, a communication module 830 coupled to processor 810, and a communication interface (not shown) coupled to communication module 830. Memory 820 stores at least a program 840. Communication module 830 is configured for bidirectional communication, for example, via multiple antennas. The communication interface may represent any interface required for communication.

[0093] Assume that the program 840 includes program instructions that, when executed by the associated processor 810, enable the device 800 to operate in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure, as described herein with reference to Figures 2 to 7The example embodiments herein may be implemented by computer software executable by the processor 810 of the device 800, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. The processor 810 may be configured to implement various example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0094] The memory 820 may be of any type suitable for the local technology network and may be implemented using any appropriate data storage technology, such as, by way of non-limiting example, non-transitory computer-readable storage media, semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. Although only one memory 820 is shown in the device 800, there may be several physically distinct memory modules in the device 800. The processor 810 may be of any type suitable for the local technology network and may include, by way of non-limiting example, one or more of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. The device 800 may have multiple processors, such as application-specific integrated circuit chips that are time-slave to a clock synchronized with a main processor.

[0095] When the device 800 acts as the first device 210 or a part of the first device 210, the processor 810 and the communication module 830 can cooperate to implement the above reference Figures 2 to 6 When the device 800 acts as the second device 220 or a part of the second device 220, the processor 810 and the communication module 830 can cooperate to implement the method 400 described above. Figure 2 and Figure 7 The method 700 described above is Figures 2 to 7 All operations and features described are equally applicable to the device 800 and have similar effects. For simplicity, details will be omitted.

[0096] In general, various example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software that may be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the example embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representations, it should be understood that the blocks, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented, as non-limiting examples, in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or a controller or other computing device, or some combination thereof.

[0097] The present disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer executable instructions, such as those included in program modules, which are executed in a device on a target real or virtual processor to perform the above-referenced Figures 2 to 7 Methods 400 and 700 are described. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc. that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. In various exemplary embodiments, the functionality of program modules can be combined or split between program modules as needed. The machine-executable instructions of the program modules can be executed on local or distributed devices. In distributed devices, program modules can be located in both local and remote storage media.

[0098] The program code for executing the method of the present disclosure can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. These program codes can be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device so that the program code, when executed by the processor or controller, enables the functions / operations specified in the flow chart and / or block diagram to be implemented. The program code can be executed entirely on the machine, partially on the machine, as a stand-alone software package, partially on the machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0099] In the context of the present disclosure, computer program codes or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus or processor to perform various processes and operations as described above, such as a signal or a computer-readable medium.

[0100] The computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media would include an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer floppy disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disc (DVD), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0101] In addition, although operations are described in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequence, or that all of the operations shown be performed to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, although several specific implementation details are included in the above discussion, these should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of this disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to a particular example embodiment. Certain features described in the context of separate example embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple example embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination.

[0102] Although the disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it should be understood that the disclosure defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

[0103] Various example embodiments of the technology have been described. In addition to or as an alternative to the above, the following embodiments are described. Features described in any of the following examples can be utilized with any other examples described herein.

[0104] In some aspects, a first device includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the first device to: receive an indication of a reference bandwidth from a second device; receive an indication of a bandwidth extended from the reference bandwidth from the second device; receive an indication of at least one frequency offset of a first narrowband set relative to a second narrowband set associated with the reference bandwidth from the second device; and determine, based on the reference bandwidth, the extended bandwidth, and the at least one frequency offset, the first narrowband set for communicating with the second device.

[0105] In some example embodiments, the first device is further caused to: receive, from the second device, an indication of frequency resources allocated from the first set of narrowbands; and perform communication with the second device in the allocated frequency resources.

[0106] In some example embodiments, the first device is further caused to send an indication of the capability to use the extended bandwidth to the second device.

[0107] In some example embodiments, the first device is further caused to receive an indication from the second device to enable the extended bandwidth.

[0108] In some example embodiments, the indication of the reference bandwidth is broadcast by the second device.

[0109] In some example embodiments, the indication of the extended bandwidth is received from the second device in at least one of a system information block or radio resource control signaling.

[0110] In some example embodiments, the indication of the at least one frequency offset is received from the second device in at least one of a system information block or radio resource control signaling.

[0111] In some example embodiments, the first narrowband set is adjacent to the second narrowband set and is on one or both sides of the second narrowband set.

[0112] In some example embodiments, the at least one frequency offset comprises a frequency offset of a first reference narrowband in the first set of narrowbands relative to a second reference narrowband in the second set of narrowbands.

[0113] In some example embodiments, the indication of the frequency offset of the first reference narrowband relative to the second reference narrowband comprises a number of physical resource blocks.

[0114] In some example embodiments, the extended bandwidth comprises a cell bandwidth.

[0115] In some example embodiments, the first device is further caused to: re-index the first narrowband set and the second narrowband set.

[0116] In some example embodiments, the first device is further caused to perform communication with the second device using frequency hopping in at least one of the first set of narrowbands and the second set of narrowbands.

[0117] In some example embodiments, the first device comprises a terminal device, and the second device comprises a network device.

[0118] In some aspects, a second device includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the second device to: send an indication of a reference bandwidth to a first device; determine a bandwidth extended from the reference bandwidth and at least one frequency offset of a first narrowband set relative to a second narrowband set associated with the reference bandwidth; and send an indication of the extended bandwidth and an indication of the at least one frequency offset to the first device to enable communication with the first device in the first narrowband set.

[0119] In some example embodiments, the second device is further caused to: allocate frequency resources for communication from the first set of narrowbands; and send an indication of the allocated frequency resources to the first device.

[0120] In some example embodiments, the second device is further caused to communicate with the further device in the second set of narrowbands.

[0121] In some example embodiments, the second device is further caused to receive an indication of the capability to use the extended bandwidth from the first device.

[0122] In some example embodiments, the second device is further caused to send an indication to the first device to enable the extended bandwidth.

[0123] In some example embodiments, the indication of the reference bandwidth is broadcast by the second device.

[0124] In some example embodiments, the indication of the extended bandwidth is sent by the second device in at least one of a system information block or radio resource control signaling.

[0125] In some example embodiments, the indication of the at least one frequency offset is sent by the second device in at least one of a system information block or radio resource control signaling.

[0126] In some example embodiments, the first narrowband set is adjacent to the second narrowband set and is on one or both sides of the second narrowband set.

[0127] In some example embodiments, the at least one frequency offset comprises a frequency offset of a first reference narrowband in the first set of narrowbands relative to a second reference narrowband in the second set of narrowbands.

[0128] In some example embodiments, the indication of the frequency offset of the first reference narrowband relative to the second reference narrowband comprises a number of physical resource blocks.

[0129] In some example embodiments, the extended bandwidth comprises a cell bandwidth.

[0130] In some example embodiments, communication is performed using frequency hopping in at least one of the first set of narrowbands and the second set of narrowbands.

[0131] In some example embodiments, the first device comprises a terminal device, and the second device comprises a network device.

[0132] In some aspects, a method implemented at a first device includes: receiving an indication of a reference bandwidth from a second device; receiving an indication of a bandwidth extended from the reference bandwidth from the second device; receiving an indication of at least one frequency offset of a first narrowband set relative to a second narrowband set associated with the reference bandwidth from the second device; and determining a first narrowband set for communication with the second device based on the reference bandwidth, the extended bandwidth, and the at least one frequency offset.

[0133] In some example embodiments, the method further includes: receiving an indication of frequency resources allocated from the first set of narrowbands from the second device; and performing communications with the second device in the allocated frequency resources.

[0134] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises sending an indication of the capability to use the extended bandwidth to the second device.

[0135] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises receiving an indication from the second device to enable the extended bandwidth.

[0136] In some example embodiments, the indication of the reference bandwidth is broadcast by the second device.

[0137] In some example embodiments, the indication of the extended bandwidth is received from the second device in at least one of a system information block or radio resource control signaling.

[0138] In some example embodiments, the indication of the at least one frequency offset is received from the second device in at least one of a system information block or radio resource control signaling.

[0139] In some example embodiments, the first narrowband set is adjacent to the second narrowband set and is on one or both sides of the second narrowband set.

[0140] In some example embodiments, the at least one frequency offset comprises a frequency offset of a first reference narrowband in the first set of narrowbands relative to a second reference narrowband in the second set of narrowbands.

[0141] In some example embodiments, the indication of the frequency offset of the first reference narrowband relative to the second reference narrowband comprises a number of physical resource blocks.

[0142] In some example embodiments, the extended bandwidth comprises a cell bandwidth.

[0143] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises re-indexing the first narrowband set and the second narrowband set.

[0144] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises performing communication with the second device using frequency hopping in at least one of the first set of narrowbands and the second set of narrowbands.

[0145] In some example embodiments, the first device comprises a terminal device, and the second device comprises a network device.

[0146] In some aspects, a method implemented at a second device includes: sending an indication of a reference bandwidth to a first device; determining a bandwidth extended from the reference bandwidth and at least one frequency offset of a first narrowband set relative to a second narrowband set associated with the reference bandwidth; and sending the indication of the extended bandwidth and the indication of the at least one frequency offset to the first device to enable communication with the first device in the first narrowband set.

[0147] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: allocating frequency resources for communication from the first set of narrowbands; and sending an indication of the allocated frequency resources to the first device.

[0148] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises communicating with an additional device in the second narrowband set.

[0149] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises receiving, from the first device, an indication of a capability to use the extended bandwidth.

[0150] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises sending an indication to the first device to enable the extended bandwidth.

[0151] In some example embodiments, the indication of the reference bandwidth is broadcast by the second device.

[0152] In some example embodiments, the indication of the extended bandwidth is sent by the second device in at least one of a system information block or radio resource control signaling.

[0153] In some example embodiments, the indication of the at least one frequency offset is sent by the second device in at least one of a system information block or radio resource control signaling.

[0154] In some example embodiments, the first narrowband set is adjacent to the second narrowband set and is on one or both sides of the second narrowband set.

[0155] In some example embodiments, the at least one frequency offset comprises a frequency offset of a first reference narrowband in the first set of narrowbands relative to a second reference narrowband in the second set of narrowbands.

[0156] In some example embodiments, the indication of the frequency offset of the first reference narrowband relative to the second reference narrowband comprises a number of physical resource blocks.

[0157] In some example embodiments, the extended bandwidth comprises a cell bandwidth.

[0158] In some example embodiments, communication is performed using frequency hopping in at least one of the first set of narrowbands and the second set of narrowbands.

[0159] In some example embodiments, the first device comprises a terminal device, and the second device comprises a network device.

[0160] In some aspects, an apparatus includes: means for receiving an indication of a reference bandwidth from a second device; means for receiving an indication of a bandwidth extended from the reference bandwidth from the second device; means for receiving an indication of at least one frequency offset of a first narrowband set relative to a second narrowband set associated with the reference bandwidth from the second device; and means for determining the first narrowband set for communication with the second device based on the reference bandwidth, the extended bandwidth, and the at least one frequency offset.

[0161] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: means for receiving, from the second device, an indication of frequency resources allocated from the first set of narrowbands; and means for performing communications with the second device in the allocated frequency resources.

[0162] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for sending an indication of the capability to use the extended bandwidth to the second device.

[0163] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for receiving an indication from the second device to enable the extended bandwidth.

[0164] In some example embodiments, the indication of the reference bandwidth is broadcast by the second device.

[0165] In some example embodiments, the indication of the extended bandwidth is received from the second device in at least one of a system information block or radio resource control signaling.

[0166] In some example embodiments, the indication of the at least one frequency offset is received from the second device in at least one of a system information block or radio resource control signaling.

[0167] In some example embodiments, the first narrowband set is adjacent to the second narrowband set and is on one or both sides of the second narrowband set.

[0168] In some example embodiments, the at least one frequency offset comprises a frequency offset of a first reference narrowband in the first set of narrowbands relative to a second reference narrowband in the second set of narrowbands.

[0169] In some example embodiments, the indication of the frequency offset of the first reference narrowband relative to the second reference narrowband comprises a number of physical resource blocks.

[0170] In some example embodiments, the extended bandwidth comprises a cell bandwidth.

[0171] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for re-indexing the first narrowband set and the second narrowband set.

[0172] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for performing communication with the second device using frequency hopping in at least one of the first set of narrowbands and the second set of narrowbands.

[0173] In some example embodiments, the first device comprises a terminal device, and the second device comprises a network device.

[0174] In some aspects, an apparatus includes: means for sending an indication of a reference bandwidth to a first device; means for determining a bandwidth extended from the reference bandwidth and at least one frequency offset of a first narrowband set relative to a second narrowband set associated with the reference bandwidth; and means for sending the indication of the extended bandwidth and the indication of the at least one frequency offset to the first device to enable communication with the first device in the first narrowband set.

[0175] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for receiving an indication from the first device that the extended bandwidth can be used.

[0176] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for sending an indication to the first device to enable the extended bandwidth.

[0177] In some example embodiments, the indication of the reference bandwidth is broadcast by the second device.

[0178] In some example embodiments, the indication of the extended bandwidth is sent by the second device in at least one of a system information block or radio resource control signaling.

[0179] In some example embodiments, the indication of the at least one frequency offset is sent by the second device in at least one of a system information block or radio resource control signaling.

[0180] In some example embodiments, the first narrowband set is adjacent to the second narrowband set and is on one or both sides of the second narrowband set.

[0181] In some example embodiments, the at least one frequency offset comprises a frequency offset of a first reference narrowband in the first set of narrowbands relative to a second reference narrowband in the second set of basic narrowbands.

[0182] In some example embodiments, the indication of the frequency offset of the first reference narrowband relative to the second reference narrowband comprises a number of physical resource blocks.

[0183] In some example embodiments, the extended bandwidth comprises a cell bandwidth.

[0184] In some example embodiments, communication is performed using frequency hopping in at least one of the first set of narrowbands and the second set of narrowbands.

[0185] In some example embodiments, the first device comprises a terminal device, and the second device comprises a network device.

[0186] In some aspects, a computer-readable storage medium includes program instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor of a device, cause the device to perform methods according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A first device for communication, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code; The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the first device to: receiving an indication of a reference bandwidth from a second device; receiving, from the second device, an indication of a bandwidth extended from the reference bandwidth; receiving, from the second device, an indication of at least one frequency offset of a first set of narrowbands relative to a second set of narrowbands associated with the reference bandwidth; determining, based on the reference bandwidth, the extended bandwidth, and the frequency offset, the first narrowband set for communicating with the second device; as well as The first narrowband set and the second narrowband set are re-indexed in order of increasing number of physical resource blocks, wherein: A portion of subframes used for the first narrowband set carry a cell-specific reference signal CRS. When the CRS is transmitted in a physical downlink shared channel PDSCH and / or a machine type communication (MTC) physical downlink control channel MPDCCH, other subframes of the first narrowband set include the CRS.

2. The first device according to claim 1, wherein the first device is further configured to: receiving, from the second device, an indication of frequency resources allocated from the first narrowband set; and The communication with the second device is performed in the allocated frequency resources.

3. The first device according to claim 1, wherein the first device is further configured to: An indication of an ability to use the extended bandwidth is sent to the second device.

4. The first device according to claim 1, wherein the first device is further configured to: An indication is received from the second device to enable the extended bandwidth. The first device of claim 1 , wherein the indication of the reference bandwidth is broadcast by the second device. 6 . The first device of claim 1 , wherein the indication of the extended bandwidth is received from the second device in at least one of a system information block or radio resource control signaling.

7. The first device of claim 1, wherein the indication of the at least one frequency offset is received from the second device in at least one of a system information block or radio resource control signaling. 8 . The first device according to claim 1 , wherein the first narrowband set is adjacent to the second narrowband set and is on one side or both sides of the second narrowband set. 9 . The first device according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one frequency offset comprises a frequency offset of a first reference narrowband in the first set of narrowbands relative to a second reference narrowband in the second set of narrowbands.

10. The first apparatus of claim 9, wherein the indication of the frequency offset of the first reference narrowband relative to the second reference narrowband comprises a number of physical resource blocks. The first device according to claim 1 , wherein the extended bandwidth comprises a cell bandwidth.

12. The first device of claim 1 , wherein the first device is further configured to: The communication with the second device is performed using frequency hopping in at least one of the first set of narrowbands and the second set of narrowbands.

13. The first device of claim 1, wherein the first device comprises a terminal device, and the second device comprises a network device.

14. A second device for communication, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code; The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the second device to: sending an indication of a reference bandwidth to the first device; determining a bandwidth extended from the reference bandwidth and at least one frequency offset of a first set of narrowbands relative to a second set of narrowbands associated with the reference bandwidth; as well as sending an indication of the extended bandwidth and an indication of the at least one frequency offset to the first device to enable communication with the first device in the first narrowband set, wherein the first narrowband set and the second narrowband set are reindexed in order of increasing number of physical resource blocks, and A portion of subframes used for the first narrowband set carries a cell-specific reference signal CRS. When the CRS is transmitted in a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) and / or a machine type communication (MTC) physical downlink control channel (MPDCCH), other subframes of the first narrowband set include the CRS.

15. The second device according to claim 14, wherein the second device is further caused to: allocating frequency resources for the communication from the first narrowband set; and Sending an indication of the allocated frequency resources to the first device.

16. The second device according to claim 14, wherein the second device is further caused to: Communicate with another device in the second narrowband set.

17. The second device according to claim 14, wherein the second device is further caused to: An indication of an ability to use the extended bandwidth is received from the first device.

18. The second device according to claim 14, wherein the second device is further caused to: An indication to enable the extended bandwidth is sent to the first device.

19. The second device of claim 14, wherein the indication of the reference bandwidth is broadcast by the second device.

20. The second device of claim 14, wherein the indication of the extended bandwidth is sent by the second device in at least one of a system information block or radio resource control signaling.

21. The second device of claim 14, wherein the indication of the at least one frequency offset is sent by the second device in at least one of a system information block or radio resource control signaling. 22 . The second device according to claim 14 , wherein the first narrowband set is adjacent to the second narrowband set and is on one side or both sides of the second narrowband set. 23 . The second device of claim 14 , wherein the at least one frequency offset comprises a frequency offset of a first reference narrowband in the first set of narrowbands relative to a second reference narrowband in the second set of narrowbands.

24. The second apparatus of claim 23, wherein the indication of the frequency offset of the first reference narrowband relative to the second reference narrowband comprises a number of physical resource blocks.

25. The second device of claim 14, wherein the extended bandwidth comprises a cell bandwidth.

26. The second device of claim 14, wherein the communication is performed using frequency hopping in at least one of the first set of narrowbands and the second set of narrowbands.

27. The second device of claim 14, wherein the first device comprises a terminal device, and the second device comprises a network device.

28. A method implemented at a first device, comprising: receiving an indication of a reference bandwidth from a second device; receiving, from the second device, an indication of a bandwidth extended from the reference bandwidth; receiving, from the second device, an indication of at least one frequency offset of a first set of narrowbands relative to a second set of narrowbands associated with the reference bandwidth; determining, based on the reference bandwidth, the extended bandwidth, and the at least one frequency offset, the first narrowband set for communicating with the second device; as well as wherein the first narrowband set and the second narrowband set are reindexed in order of increasing number of physical resource blocks, and A portion of subframes used for the first narrowband set carry a cell-specific reference signal CRS. When the CRS is transmitted in a physical downlink shared channel PDSCH and / or a machine type communication (MTC) physical downlink control channel MPDCCH, other subframes of the first narrowband set include the CRS.

29. The method according to claim 28, further comprising: receiving, from the second device, an indication of frequency resources allocated from the first narrowband set; as well as The communication with the second device is performed in the allocated frequency resources.

30. The method of claim 28, further comprising: An indication of an ability to use the extended bandwidth is sent to the second device.

31. The method of claim 28, further comprising: An indication is received from the second device to enable the extended bandwidth.

32. The method of claim 28, wherein the indication of the reference bandwidth is broadcast by the second device.

33. The method of claim 28, wherein the indication of the extended bandwidth is received from the second device in at least one of a system information block or radio resource control signaling.

34. The method of claim 28, wherein the indication of the at least one frequency offset is received from the second device in at least one of a system information block or radio resource control signaling.

35. The method of claim 28, wherein the first narrowband set is adjacent to the second narrowband set and is on one side or both sides of the second narrowband set.

36. The method of claim 28, wherein the at least one frequency offset comprises a frequency offset of a first reference narrowband in the first set of narrowbands relative to a second reference narrowband in the second set of narrowbands.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein the indication of the frequency offset of the first reference narrowband relative to the second reference narrowband comprises a number of physical resource blocks.

38. The method of claim 28, wherein the extended bandwidth comprises a cell bandwidth.

39. The method of claim 28, further comprising: The communication with the second device is performed using frequency hopping in at least one of the first set of narrowbands and the second set of narrowbands.

40. The method of claim 28, wherein the first device comprises a terminal device and the second device comprises a network device.

41. A method implemented at a second device, comprising: sending an indication of a reference bandwidth to the first device; determining a bandwidth extended from the reference bandwidth and at least one frequency offset of a first set of narrowbands relative to a second set of narrowbands associated with the reference bandwidth; as well as sending an indication of the extended bandwidth and an indication of the at least one frequency offset to the first device to enable communication with the first device in the first narrowband set, wherein the first narrowband set and the second narrowband set are reindexed in order of increasing number of physical resource blocks, and A portion of subframes used for the first narrowband set carries a cell-specific reference signal CRS. When the CRS is transmitted in a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) and / or a machine type communication (MTC) physical downlink control channel (MPDCCH), other subframes of the first narrowband set include the CRS.

42. The method of claim 41 , further comprising: allocating frequency resources for the communication from the first narrowband set; as well as Sending an indication of the allocated frequency resources to the first device.

43. The method of claim 41 , further comprising: Communicate with another device in the second narrowband set.

44. The method of claim 41 , further comprising: An indication of an ability to use the extended bandwidth is received from the first device.

45. The method of claim 41 , further comprising: An indication to enable the extended bandwidth is sent to the first device.

46. The method of claim 41, wherein the indication of the reference bandwidth is broadcast by the second device.

47. The method of claim 41, wherein the indication of the extended bandwidth is sent by the second device in at least one of a system information block or radio resource control signaling.

48. The method of claim 41, wherein the indication of the at least one frequency offset is sent by the second device in at least one of a system information block or radio resource control signaling.

49. The method of claim 41, wherein the first narrowband set is adjacent to the second narrowband set and is on one side or both sides of the second narrowband set.

50. The method of claim 41, wherein the at least one frequency offset comprises a frequency offset of a first reference narrowband in the first set of narrowbands relative to a second reference narrowband in the second set of narrowbands.

51. The method of claim 50, wherein the indication of the frequency offset of the first reference narrowband relative to the second reference narrowband comprises a number of physical resource blocks.

52. The method of claim 41, wherein the extended bandwidth comprises a cell bandwidth.

53. The method of claim 41, wherein the communicating is performed using frequency hopping in at least one of the first set of narrowbands and the second set of narrowbands.

54. The method of claim 41, wherein the first device comprises a terminal device and the second device comprises a network device.

55. An apparatus for communication, comprising: means for receiving an indication of a reference bandwidth from a second device; means for receiving, from the second device, an indication of a bandwidth extended from the reference bandwidth; means for receiving, from the second device, an indication of at least one frequency offset of a first set of narrowbands relative to a second set of narrowbands associated with the reference bandwidth; means for determining the first set of narrowbands for communicating with the second device based on the reference bandwidth, the extended bandwidth, and the at least one frequency offset; as well as means for re-indexing the first narrowband set and the second narrowband set in order of increasing number of physical resource blocks, wherein A portion of subframes used for the first narrowband set carry a cell-specific reference signal CRS. When the CRS is transmitted in a physical downlink shared channel PDSCH and / or a machine type communication (MTC) physical downlink control channel MPDCCH, other subframes of the first narrowband set include the CRS.

56. An apparatus for communication, comprising: means for sending an indication of a reference bandwidth to the first device; means for determining a bandwidth extending from the reference bandwidth and at least one frequency offset of a first set of narrowbands relative to a second set of narrowbands associated with the reference bandwidth; as well as means for sending an indication of the extended bandwidth and an indication of the at least one frequency offset to the first device to enable communication with the first device in the first narrowband set, wherein the first narrowband set and the second narrowband set are reindexed in order of increasing number of physical resource blocks, and A portion of subframes used for the first narrowband set carry a cell-specific reference signal CRS. When the CRS is transmitted in a physical downlink shared channel PDSCH and / or a machine type communication (MTC) physical downlink control channel MPDCCH, other subframes of the first narrowband set include the CRS.

57. A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor of a device, cause the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 28 to 40.

58. A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor of a device, cause the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 41 to 54.

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