Subband reporting in wireless communication system

Abstract

Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are provided for smooth migration of region-defined sub-bands, as well as other methods of sub-band reporting and processing in a wireless communication system. For example, a method may include generating, by a device, a frequency band list including a plurality of frequency bands in a defined inverse temporal order. The method may also include providing, by the device, the frequency band list to the user device.

Description

Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 432,242, filed on December 13, 2022, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] Some example embodiments may generally relate to communications including mobile or wireless telecommunications systems, such as Long - Term Evolution (LTE) or Fifth - Generation (5G) radio access technology or New Radio (NR) access technology, or other communication systems including subsequent generations of the same or similar standards. For example, certain example embodiments may generally relate to the smooth migration of region - defined sub - bands in a wireless communication system and other methods of sub - band reporting and processing. Background Art

[0003] Examples of mobile or wireless telecommunications systems may include Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Long - Term Evolution (LTE) Evolved UTRAN (E - UTRAN), LTE - Advanced (LTE - A), MulteFire, LTE - A Pro, and / or Fifth - Generation (5G) radio access technology or New Radio (NR) access technology. 5G wireless systems refer to next - generation (NG) radio systems and network architectures. Most 5G systems are built on 5G New Radio (NR), but 5G (or NG) networks can also be built on E - UTRA radio. Starting from Release 18 (Rel - 18), 5G is referred to as 5G Advanced. It is estimated that NR provides a bit rate of approximately 10 - 20 Gbit / s or higher and can support at least service categories such as enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and ultra - reliable low - latency communication (URLLC) as well as massive machine - type communication (mMTC). NR is expected to deliver extremely wide bandwidth and extremely robust, low - latency connectivity and large - scale networking to support the Internet of Things (IoT). As IoT and machine - to - machine (M2M) communications become more widespread, the demand for networks that meet the requirements of lower power consumption, low data rate, and long battery life will continue to grow. Next - generation radio access network (NG - RAN) represents the RAN for 5G, which can provide both NR and LTE (and LTE - Advanced) radio access. Note that in 5G, a node that can provide radio access functions to user equipment (i.e., similar to Node B, NB in UTRAN or evolved NB, eNB in LTE) can be named as next - generation NB (gNB) when it is established on NR radio, and the node can be named as next - generation eNB (NG - eNB) when it is established on E - UTRA radio. 6G is currently under development and may replace 5G and 5G Advanced. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An embodiment may relate to a device. The device may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least perform: generating a frequency band list including a plurality of frequency bands in a defined reverse chronological order. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the device to at least perform: providing the frequency band list to a user equipment.

[0005] An embodiment may relate to a method. The method may include: generating, by a device, a frequency band list including a plurality of frequency bands in a defined reverse chronological order. The method may further include providing, by the device, the frequency band list to a user equipment.

[0006] An embodiment may relate to a device. The device may include means for generating a frequency band list including a plurality of frequency bands in a defined reverse chronological order. The device may further include means for providing the frequency band list to a user equipment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] To correctly understand the example embodiments, reference should be made to the drawings, in which:

[0008] Figure 1 A scheme of single carrier operation is shown;

[0009] Figure 2 Intra-band discontinuous uplink carrier aggregation operation is shown;

[0010] Figure 3 Single band operation with a new band number is shown;

[0010] Figure 4 A definition of a new band number according to some embodiments is shown;

[0011] Figure 5 A method according to some embodiments is shown; and

[0012] Figure 6 An example block diagram of a system according to an embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] It will be readily understood that the components of some example embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. Accordingly, the following detailed description of some example embodiments of systems, methods, devices, and computer program products for providing smooth migration of sub-bands for area definition and other methods of sub-band reporting and processing in a wireless communication system is not intended to limit the scope of some embodiments, but rather represents selected example embodiments.

[0014] The features, structures, or characteristics described throughout the exemplary embodiments of this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more exemplary embodiments. For example, the phrases "certain embodiments", "some embodiments", or other similar language used throughout this specification refer to the fact that the specific features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the phrases "in certain embodiments", "in some embodiments", "in other embodiments", or other similar language that appears throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same set of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0015] Certain embodiments may have various aspects and features. These aspects and features may be applied individually or in any desired combination with each other. Other features, processes, and elements may also be applied in combination with some or all of the aspects and features disclosed herein.

[0016] Additionally, if desired, the different functions or processes discussed below may be performed in a different order and / or simultaneously with each other. Further, if desired, one or more of the described functions or processes may be optional or may be combined. Accordingly, the following description should be regarded as illustrative of the principles and teachings of certain exemplary embodiments and not as a limitation thereof.

[0017] In the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), there may be a definition of frequency bands. In some countries, according to regulations, at a given time, only a part (sub-band) of a frequency band may be released and available. Thus, 3GPP may have defined frequency bands globally that cover a larger frequency allocation than what may be permitted in a particular country. Therefore, in some countries, only a part of a frequency band is available. Even if that part is included in the frequency band and the UE supporting that frequency band complies with 3GPP specifications, regulations may not allow the UE to camp on a cell in the sub-band of that frequency band without corresponding local authentication. For example, frequency band n77 has experienced this issue in the United States and Canada.

[0018] 3GPP has addressed this issue with new network signaling (NS). Other approaches to this issue may include defining new UE capabilities indicating "sub-band parts" or defining new frequency band numbers for the "extended" parts of frequency bands. Certain embodiments overcome the challenges in such approaches by defining new frequency bands with new NS values, as was done for frequency band n77.

[0019] To better understand the challenges overcome by certain embodiments, consider that the frequency band n77 (i.e., the frequency band of 3300 - 4200 MHz) is defined as a globally available frequency band. When the requirements for n77 are specified, in the United States, the availability of the full spectrum of n77 is not clear. Subsequently, in the United States, the sub - band of 3700 - 3980 MHz within n77 becomes available, but in the United States, the UE is required not to camp on any other carriers outside the sub - band. To overcome this limitation, 3GPP introduced annotations to n77. Note that the introduction of no new frequency band is considered the only way not to increase the number of frequency band combinations. In particular, note that in the United States, this frequency band (i.e., n77) is restricted to 3700 - 3980 MHz, but the details of how the UE ensures this are not specified.

[0020] Note that in n77 in the United States, the way the UE is restricted to camp on cells in the range of 3700 - 3980 MHz (which can be referred to as sub - band A for convenience) is not specified at this time, and no issues are identified for some time. Later, in the United States, an additional sub - block of 3450 - 3550 MHz (which can be referred to as sub - band B for convenience) is released. There may be some advantages in disabling traditional UEs from camping on cells in sub - band B. 3GPP defines new NS_55 and CA_NC_NS_55 / CA_NS_55 as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 respectively, and defines the new UE capabilities of extendedBand - n77 - r16 to indicate that new UEs support both sub - band A and sub - band B in the United States.

[0021] Figure 1 Shows a solution for single - carrier operation. In the example of Figure 1 , traditional UEs that do not understand the network signaling (NS_55) can consider the cells in sub - band B as cell - barred. Thus, such traditional UEs may think that they are restricted from camping on cells. Traditional UEs also cannot understand NS_55 in sub - band A, but traditional UEs can read NS_01, and thus the UE can still camp on cells in sub - band A. In contrast, relatively new UEs that understand NS_55 can camp on cells in sub - band A or sub - band B without any problems.

[0022] Figure 2 Shows in - band discontinuous uplink (UL) carrier aggregation (CA) operation. In the example of Figure 2In the example of , the network may know that a legacy UE that does not report extendedBand-n77-r16 but reports, for example, CA_n77(2A) cannot perform intra-band discontinuous UL CA between the carrier in sub-band A and the carrier in sub-band B. Additionally, the network may know that a relatively new UE that reports both extendedBand-n77-r16 and CA_n77(2A) can perform intra-band discontinuous UL CA across sub-band A and sub-band B. However, this approach may rely on the existence of many standardized exceptions, related notes, or similar texts in the specification. For example, before this approach is used, the following is a rule: all NS values for UL CA should be the same. Additionally, if additional sub-bands above A and B are introduced, the specification and the operating conditions (e.g., which NS should be indicated in each cell, the order in which multiple NSs are indicated, etc.) become more complex.

[0023] Therefore, different from reusing existing frequency bands or introducing new frequency bands, a new frequency band numbering can be used, along with the premise that if the new frequency band numbering within the existing frequency band is supported by the UE, the UE can be considered to also support all frequency band combinations including the existing frequency band. For example, if (example) the frequency band number nX is defined for frequency band n77, then a UE indicating support for frequency band nX will always support frequency band n77. Such a UE will also support any frequency band combination in which n77 is replaced by nX, and vice versa. This approach can prevent an increase in the number of frequency band combinations due to new frequency bands and can be referred to as new frequency band numbering.

[0024] As Figure 3 shown, when it comes to single-band operation or inter-band combinations, this approach can be clean and clear. Specifically, Figure 3 shows single-band operation with the new frequency band numbering. In this example, the "nX" part is the original "n77" in the United States, and "nY" is a newly allocated block for the United States. If the new frequency band numbering has been used, "nX" will simply be "n77" with or without new capabilities (such as extendedBand-n77-r16), or just some other frequency band number, e.g., "nX" = "n159", and "nY" will be some other frequency band number, e.g., "nY" = "n160".

[0025] Under this method, a legacy UE only indicates nX support, and a new UE indicates both nX and nY. In this way, the network can clearly know the capabilities of a given UE, such that resource management such as handover (HO) can be properly handled. This method also frees the network from the concerns of single-carrier operation and NS handling for CA. However, when it comes to in-band discontinuous CA, or even continuous CA, or if a new sub-band is released in such a way that the sub-band is adjacent to one or more existing sub-bands, this solution may increase complexity. In particular, although a given UE may support nX and nY, supporting these bands individually does not necessarily mean that the UE can support every arbitrary combination of these bands. As the number of sub-bands increases, a recently developed UE may need to indicate an increasing number of band numbers, which may make signaling cumbersome and even lead to device interoperability testing (IODT) issues.

[0026] For example, CA_nX-nY is not in-band discontinuous UL CA. CA_nX-nY can be considered as inter-band CA with nX and nY. Although the performance requirements may follow CA_n77(2A), strictly speaking, the network may not be able to handle CA_nX-nY exactly like CA_n77(2A). Therefore, the introduction of new band numbers based on existing band definitions may create additional complexity.

[0027] In some embodiments, the "sub-band" allocation may include the entire frequency band allocation supported when a new sub-band is created. Thus, a new sub-band can be defined such that all previously defined (multiple) sub-bands are restricted within the new sub-band, even if these sub-bands are discontinuous. In other words, each new sub-band can contain the previous sub-bands. Therefore, sub-bands can be independent of the principle of frequency continuity. In other words, it may be neither required nor prohibited for sub-bands to be continuous in frequency. Additionally, rules can be defined for setting the order of the sub-bands listed in the frequency band list for each cell. The rule can be: the order of the sub-bands listed in the frequency band list for each cell can be listed in reverse chronological order. More specifically, the rule can indicate that when the frequency of a newer sub-band overlaps with the frequency of an older sub-band, the sub-band number can be followed. Thus, a UE supporting a newer version can first select the largest sub-band).

[0028] This method can avoid the complexity caused by the introduction of new band numbers. A UE can always support the largest sub-band allocation available at the time of authentication, and the network can signal which sub-bands are allowed to reside on the cell. Therefore, if the network indicates an older sub-band number, a UE that only supports the older sub-bands can only reside on the cell.

[0029] New band definitions that are not related to the principle of frequency continuity can be applied not only to new band numbers but also to normal band definitions. For example, it is not necessary to define a frequency division duplex (FDD) band as a UL block paired with a downlink (DL) block or a time division duplex (TDD) band as a UL / DL block. Instead, a band can be defined using multiple frequency blocks to reduce complexity.

[0030] Figure 4 Shows a new band number definition according to certain embodiments. Figure 4 Shows an example implementation that can work with n77 in the United States, showing three sub-band allocations for band n77. More specifically, as Figure 4 shown, new sub-bands can be defined to limit sub-bands that were previously defined in a way that is not related to the principle of frequency continuity.

[0031] In this example, sub-band A created first is defined as nX. The first cell can operate at sub-band A. Sub-band A and sub-band B created later are jointly defined as nY, and nY is a band but has discontinuity. The second cell can operate at sub-band B. To show that the same method can be used in the case of more than two sub-bands (nZ is included as the third created sub-band), including sub-band A and sub-band B and the third sub-band, the third sub-band that follows the same convention can be designated as sub-band C. The third cell can operate at sub-band C. In certain embodiments, sub-bands are designated as a discontinuous set of sub-blocks that have been included and newly added sub-blocks, rather than designating each newly added sub-block as a separate sub-band.

[0032] Additionally, rules can be defined for setting the order of the sub-bands listed in the frequency band list in each cell in reverse chronological order whenever the frequencies of the sub-bands overlap each other. In the frequency band list within the SIB1 of a cell, the leftmost cell (e.g., the cell using Figure 4 the leftmost frequency in, such as the third cell in the previous discussion) can only indicate nZ because there is no overlap with other band numbers. The indication of only nZ can prevent all traditional UEs that support nX, nY, and / or n77 from camping on this cell. The middle cell (e.g., the cell using Figure 4 the middle frequency in, such as the second cell in the previous discussion) can indicate the band numbers in the order of nZ and nY. Note that nY may not be listed before nZ. If a UE supports both nY and nZ, the UE can camp on the middle cell as nY. If the UE also supports, for example, CA_nZ(2A), the UE may not be able to utilize this feature because the UE may not support CA_nYA - nZA. Therefore, the band numbers can be defined for each sub-band such that, for example, nZ and nY do not overlap with each other. The rightmost cell (e.g., the cell usingFigure 4 The cell with the rightmost frequency, i.e., the first cell in the previous discussion, can indicate the band numbers in the order of nZ, nY, and nX, which can allow all UEs to camp on the cell, indicating that the frequency allocation is supported by all UEs that support nZ, nY, or nX.

[0033] For single-carrier operation, UEs that support nX can camp only on the rightmost cell. UEs that support nY can camp on the middle cell or the rightmost cell.

[0034] UEs that support nZ can camp on the leftmost cell, the middle cell, or the rightmost cell.

[0035] UEs that support the newly defined band numbers recently do not necessarily need to report the legacy band numbers or the associated band combinations. More specifically, in Figure 3 , the newly developed UEs need to report nX and nY to use both sub-bands, but in some embodiments, only the latest band numbers need to be reported.

[0036] For in-band UL discontinuous and / or continuous CA operation, UEs that support nX can use CA within nX. If the UE desires, UEs that support nY can use CA across the middle cell and / or the rightmost cell simultaneously. If the UE desires, UEs that support nZ can use CA across the leftmost cell, the middle cell, and / or the rightmost cell simultaneously.

[0037] The network can treat each UE among the UEs as a normal CA UE, thus avoiding the need for special attention in the new numbering as shown in Figures 1 - 3 .

[0038] Clause 5.2.2.4.2 of Technical Specification (TS) 38.331 v.17.2.0 of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) indicates that the UE will select the first available frequency band in the list. For example, if the UE supports one or more of the frequency bands indicated in the frequency band list for the downlink for TDD or in the frequency band list for the uplink for FDD, the UE can select the first frequency band in the frequency band list for the uplink for FDD or the first frequency band in the frequency band list for the downlink for TDD.

[0039] Figure 5 shows a method according to some embodiments. As Figure 5As shown, the method may include: at 510, generating, by a device, a frequency band list including a plurality of frequency bands in a defined reverse chronological order. The device may be a base station, such as a next-generation node B (gNB), etc. The method may further include: at 520, providing, by the device, the frequency band list to a user equipment. For example, the frequency band list may be provided to the UE via radio resource control (RRC) signaling (via system information (e.g., via a system information block (SIB) such as SIB1) or via dedicated signaling (e.g., via an RRC reconfiguration message)). The signaling in SIB1 may indicate to the user equipment, via the field frequencyBandList, the frequencies supported in the cell, and the UE may select a first supported frequency from the list when camping on the cell.

[0040] The plurality of frequency bands may include a band defined earlier and a band defined later. The chronological order in the list may involve the band defined later being listed before the band defined earlier in the list. This may also be referred to as reverse chronological order. The definition here may refer to the definition within a (plural) standard organization or the definition made by the authorities of a region.

[0041] The band defined later may include a first sub-band and a second sub-band. The band defined earlier may include the first sub-band but not the second sub-band. For example, the band defined earlier may be only the first sub-band. An example thereof is shown in Figure 4 where nY includes a frequency band that is not part of nX and also includes nX. As Figure 4 shown, the first sub-band and the second sub-band may be non-contiguous, but may alternatively be contiguous.

[0042] The band defined later may include the band defined earlier and another sub-band. In other words, the band defined later may be strictly a superset of the band defined earlier, as shown by the example in Figure 4

[0043] As Figure 5 shown, the method may further include: at 530, receiving, at the device, from the user equipment an indication of the supported frequency band from the frequency band list. The indication may be explicit or implicit. For example, if the UE supports nY and nX but not nZ, the UE may indicate nY to the NW because nY is the first supported frequency in the list. The method may further include: at 540, determining, by the device, the support level of the sub-band based on the indication. The method may additionally include taking further network control actions based on such determination. For example, at 550, the network may switch the user equipment by the device based on the determined support level.

[0044] ​For example, if the UE supports nY and nX but does not support nZ, then regardless of the content of the list, the UE may not be able to indicate the ability to support the nZ band and may not be able to camp on a cell that is nZ. The network can list the bands in a priority order. If multiple supported bands are available for a cell, the UE can use the first supported band in the list of the supported bands. Thus, in this example, the UE can use nY in the cell. Optionally, the UE can indicate both nY and nX to the network. In this example, since the UE does not support nZ, the UE may not indicate nZ to the network. In this way, the network can be able to determine the level that the UE can support.

[0045] Figure 6 An example of a system including apparatus 10 according to an embodiment is shown. In an embodiment, apparatus 10 can be a node, host, or server in a communication network or serving such a network. For example, apparatus 10 can be a network node, satellite, base station, Node B, evolved Node B (eNB), 5G Node B or access point, next generation Node B (NG-NB or gNB), TRP, HAPS, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, and / or WLAN access point associated with a radio access network (such as, an LTE network, 5G, or NR). In some example embodiments, apparatus 10 can be, for example, a gNB or other similar radio node.

[0046] It should be understood that in some example embodiments, apparatus 10 can include an edge cloud server as a distributed computing system, where the server and the radio node can be independent devices that communicate with each other via a wireless circuit path or via a wired connection, or they can be in the same entity that communicates via a wired connection. For example, in some example embodiments where apparatus 10 represents a gNB, apparatus 10 can be configured in a central unit (CU) and distributed unit (DU) architecture that divides the gNB functions. In such an architecture, the CU can be a logical node that includes gNB functions (such as the transmission of user data, mobility control, radio access network sharing, positioning, and / or session management, etc.). The CU can control the operation of the (one or more) DUs through a midhaul interface called the F1 interface, and the (one or more) DUs can have one or more radio units (RUs) that are connected to the (one or more) DUs through a fronthaul interface. Depending on the function split option, the DU can be a logical node that includes a subset of the gNB functions. It should be noted that those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that apparatus 10 can include Figure 6 components or features not shown.

[0047] As Figure 6As shown in the example of, the apparatus 10 may include a processor 12 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. The processor 12 may be any type of general or special purpose processor. In fact, by way of example, the processor 12 may include one or more of a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture or any other processing component. Although Figure 6 a single processor 12 is shown in, in accordance with other embodiments, multiple processors may be utilized. For example, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the apparatus 10 may include two or more processors that may form a multi-processor system that can support multi-processing (e.g., in such a case, the processor 12 may represent a multi-processor). In some embodiments, the multi-processor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0048] The processor 12 may execute functions associated with the operation of the apparatus 10, which may include, for example, precoding of antenna gain / phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming communication messages, formatting of information, and overall control of the apparatus 10, the overall control of the apparatus 10 including procedures related to smooth migration of sub-bands defined in a region in a wireless communication system and other methods of sub-band reporting and processing.

[0049] The apparatus 10 may also (internally or externally) include or be coupled to a memory 14, which may be coupled to the processor 12 for storing information and instructions that may be executed by the processor 12. The memory 14 may be one or more memories and may be of any type suitable for a local application environment and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or non-volatile data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and / or removable memory. For example, the memory 14 may include any combination of random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), static memory such as a disk or optical disk, a hard disk drive (HDD), or any other type of non-transitory machine or computer readable medium or other suitable storage component. The instructions stored in the memory 14 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by the processor 12, can enable the apparatus 10 to perform the tasks as described herein.

[0050] In an embodiment, the apparatus 10 may also include or be coupled to (internally or externally) a drive or port configured to receive and read an external computer-readable storage medium, such as an optical disc, a USB drive, a flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer-readable storage medium may store a computer program or software for execution by the processor 12 and / or the apparatus 10.

[0051] In some embodiments, the apparatus 10 may also include or be coupled to one or more antennas 15 for transmitting signals and / or data to and receiving signals and / or data from the apparatus 10. The apparatus 10 may also include or be coupled to a transceiver 18 configured to transmit and receive information. The transceiver 18 may include, for example, a plurality of radio interfaces that may be coupled to the antenna(s) 15, or may include any other suitable transceiver components. The radio interfaces may correspond to multiple radio access technologies including one or more of Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), LTE, 5G, WLAN, Bluetooth (BT), Bluetooth Low Energy (BT-LE), Near Field Communication (NFC), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Ultra-Wideband (UWB), MulteFire, etc. The radio interfaces may include components such as filters, converters (e.g., digital-to-analog converters, etc.), mappers, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) modules, etc. to generate symbols for transmission via one or more downlinks and receive symbols (e.g., via an uplink).

[0052] As such, the transceiver 18 may be configured to modulate information onto a carrier waveform for transmission by the antenna(s) 15 and demodulate information received via the antenna(s) 15 for further processing by other elements of the apparatus 10. In other embodiments, the transceiver 18 may be capable of directly transmitting and receiving signals or data. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the apparatus 10 may include input and / or output devices (I / O devices) or input / output components.

[0053] In an embodiment, the memory 14 may store software modules that provide functionality when executed by the processor 12. The module may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for the apparatus 10. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as applications or programs, to provide additional functionality for the apparatus 10. The components of the apparatus 10 may be implemented in hardware or as any suitable combination of hardware and software.

[0054] According to some embodiments, the processor 12 and the memory 14 may be included in a processing circuit / component or a control circuit / component or may form a part of a processing circuit / component or a control circuit / component. Additionally, in some embodiments, the transceiver 18 may be included in a transceiver circuit / component or may form a part of a transceiver circuit / component.

[0055] As used herein, the term "circuitry" may refer to only a hardware circuit implementation (such as, for example, analog and / or digital circuitry), a combination of hardware circuitry and software, a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry and software / firmware, any portion of a (one or more) hardware processor with software that works together to cause a device (such as, for example, device 10) to perform various functions, and / or (one or more) hardware circuits and / or (one or more) processors, or portions thereof, that operate using software, but where the software may not be present when not needed for operation. As another example, as used herein, the term "circuitry" may also cover an implementation of only a hardware circuit or a processor (or processors), or a portion of a hardware circuit or a processor, and its accompanying software and / or firmware. The term "circuitry" may also cover, for example, a baseband integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network node or device, or other computing or network device.

[0056] As introduced above, in certain embodiments, the device 10 may be a network element or a RAN node (such as, for example, a base station, an access point, Node B, eNB, gNB, TRP, HAPS, IAB node, relay node, WLAN access point, satellite, etc.) or may be a part thereof. In one example embodiment, the device 10 may be a gNB or other radio node, or may be the CU and / or DU of a gNB. According to certain embodiments, the device 10 may be controlled by the memory 14 and the processor 12 to perform functions associated with any of the embodiments described herein. For example, in some embodiments, the device 10 may be configured to perform one or more of the processes depicted in any of the flowcharts or signaling diagrams described herein (such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 those shown therein), or any other method described herein. In some embodiments, as discussed herein, the device 10 may be configured to perform processes related to smooth migration of subbands defined in a region in a wireless communication system and other methods of subband reporting and processing.

[0057] Figure 6An example of apparatus 20 according to an embodiment is also shown. In an embodiment, apparatus 20 may be a node or element in or associated with a communication network, such as a UE, a communication node, a mobile equipment (ME), a mobile station, a mobile device, a fixed device, an IoT device, or other device. As described herein, a UE may alternatively be referred to as, for example, a mobile station, a mobile equipment, a mobile unit, a mobile device, a user equipment, a subscriber station, a wireless terminal, a tablet, a smart phone, an IoT device, a sensor or an NB-IoT device, a watch or other wearable device, a head-mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, a medical device and its applications (e.g., remote surgery), an industrial device and its applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in the context of an industrial and / or automation processing chain), a consumer electronic device, a device operating on a commercial and / or industrial wireless network, etc. As an example, apparatus 20 may be implemented in, for example, a wireless handheld device, a wireless plug-in accessory, etc.

[0058] In some example embodiments, apparatus 20 may include one or more processors, one or more computer-readable storage media (e.g., memories, storage devices, etc.), one or more radio access components (e.g., modems, transceivers, etc.) and / or a user interface. In some embodiments, apparatus 20 may be configured to operate using one or more radio access technologies such as GSM, LTE, LTE-A, NR, 5G, WLAN, WiFi, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, NFC, MulteFire and / or any other radio access technology. It should be noted that those skilled in the art will understand that apparatus 20 may include Figure 6 components or functions not shown therein.

[0059] As Figure 6 shown in the example of, apparatus 20 may include or be coupled to a processor 22 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. Processor 22 may be any type of general-purpose or special-purpose processor. In fact, as an example, processor 22 may include one or more of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Although Figure 6 a single processor 22 is shown therein, multiple processors may be utilized according to other embodiments. For example, it should be understood that in certain embodiments, apparatus 20 may include two or more processors, and the two or more processors may form a multi-processor system that may support multi-processing (e.g., in such a case, processor 22 may represent the multi-processor). In certain embodiments, the multi-processor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0060] As some examples, the processor 22 may perform functions associated with the operation of the device 20, which may include, for example, precoding of antenna gain / phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming communication messages, formatting of information, and overall control of the device 20, which includes processes related to the management of communication resources.

[0061] The device 20 may also include or be coupled to a memory 24 (internal or external), which may be coupled to the processor 22 for storing information and instructions that may be executed by the processor 22. The memory 24 may be one or more memories and may be of any type suitable for the local application environment and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or non-volatile data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and / or removable memory. For example, the memory 24 may include any combination of random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), static storage devices such as magnetic or optical disks, hard disk drives (HDD), or any other type of non-transitory machine or computer-readable medium. The instructions stored in the memory 24 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by the processor 22, enable the device 20 to perform the tasks described herein.

[0062] In an embodiment, the device 20 may also include or be coupled to a drive or port (internal or external) configured to accept and read an external computer-readable storage medium, such as an optical disk, USB drive, flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer-readable storage medium may store computer programs or software for execution by the processor 22 and / or the device 20.

[0063] In some embodiments, the device 20 may also include or be coupled to one or more antennas 25 for receiving downlink signals and for transmission from the device 20 via the uplink. The device 20 may also include a transceiver 28 configured to transmit and receive information. The transceiver 28 may also include a radio interface (e.g., a modem) coupled to the antenna 25. The radio interface may correspond to a variety of radio access technologies, including one or more of GSM, LTE, LTE-A, 5G, NR, WLAN, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, RFID, UWB, etc. The radio interface may include other components such as filters, converters (e.g., digital-to-analog converters, etc.), symbol demappers, signal shaping components, inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) modules, etc. to process symbols carried by the downlink or uplink, such as OFDM symbols.

[0064] For example, the transceiver 28 may be configured to modulate information onto a carrier waveform for transmission by the antenna(s) 25 and demodulate information received via the antenna(s) 25 for further processing by other elements of the device 20. In other embodiments, the transceiver 28 may be capable of directly transmitting and receiving signals or data. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the device 20 may include input and / or output devices (I / O devices). In a particular embodiment, the device 20 may further include a user interface, such as a graphical user interface or a touch screen.

[0065] In an embodiment, the memory 24 may store software modules that provide functionality when executed by the processor 22. The module may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for the device 20. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as applications or programs, to provide additional functionality for the device 20. The components of the device 20 may be implemented in hardware or as any suitable combination of hardware and software. According to an example embodiment, the device 20 may optionally be configured to communicate with the device 10 via a wireless or wired communication link 70 according to any radio access technology, such as NR.

[0066] According to some embodiments, the processor 22 and the memory 24 may be included in or may form part of a processing circuitry or a control circuitry. Additionally, in some embodiments, the transceiver 28 may be included in or may form part of a transceiver circuitry.

[0067] As described above, according to some embodiments, the device 20 may be, for example, a UE, a SL UE, a relay UE, a mobile device, a mobile station, an ME, an IoT device, and / or an NB-IoT device, etc. According to certain embodiments, the device 20 may be controlled by the memory 24 and the processor 22 to perform functions associated with any of the embodiments described herein (such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown in Figure 4 or Figure 5 or one or more of the operations described with respect to

[0068] In some embodiments, a device (e.g., device 10 and / or device 20) may include components for performing the methods, processes, or any variations thereof discussed herein. Examples of such components may include one or more processors, memories, controllers, transmitters, receivers, and / or computer program code for causing the execution of any operation discussed herein.

[0069] In view of the foregoing, certain example embodiments provide several technical improvements, enhancements, and / or advantages over prior art processes and constitute an improvement in at least the technical field of wireless network control and / or management. Certain embodiments may have various benefits and / or advantages. For example, certain embodiments may allow for a reduction in the complexity of handling the varying levels of support by different generations of UEs in a network (e.g., due to the Federal Communications Commission making additional frequency blocks available for mobile communications). Such handling may be performed in a manner that can reduce network signaling and simplify communication between the UE and the network. Certain embodiments may reduce the workload for specifications as well as for the development of UEs and the network, as certain embodiments may stabilize or automate relevant considerations for them.

[0070] In some example embodiments, the functionality of any method, process, signaling diagram, algorithm, or flowchart described herein may be implemented by software and / or computer program code or portions of code stored in a memory or other computer-readable or tangible medium and executable by a processor.

[0071] In some example embodiments, a device may include at least one software application, module, unit, or entity or be associated with at least one software application, module, unit, or entity configured to perform (one or more) arithmetic operations or configured as a program or portion of a program (including added or updated software routines) executable by at least one arithmetic processor or controller. A program (also referred to as a program product or computer program, including software routines, applets, and macros) may be stored in any device-readable data storage medium and may include program instructions for performing a particular task. A computer program product may include one or more computer-executable components configured to implement some example embodiments when the program is run. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one software code or portion of code. Modifications and configurations required to implement the functionality of example embodiments may be performed as (one or more) routines that may be implemented as added or updated (one or more) software routines. In one example, the (one or more) software routines may be downloaded to the device.

[0072] As an example, software or computer program code or portions of the code can be in source code form, object code form, or some intermediate form, and can be stored in some carrier, distribution medium, or computer-readable medium, which can be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. Such a carrier can include, for example, a recording medium, computer memory, read-only memory, optoelectronic and / or electrical carrier signals, telecommunication signals, and / or software distribution packages. Depending on the required processing capabilities, the computer program can be executed in a single electronic digital computer, or the computer program can be distributed among multiple computers. The computer-readable medium or computer-readable storage medium can be a non-transitory medium. As used herein, the term "non-transitory" is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, rather than a signal), and not a limitation on data storage persistence (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0073] In other example embodiments, the functions of the example embodiments can be performed by hardware or circuitry included in a device, such as by using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), programmable gate array (PGA), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other combination of hardware and software. In yet another example embodiment, the functions of the example embodiments can be implemented as a signal carried by an electromagnetic signal downloadable from the Internet or other network, such as a non-tangible component.

[0074] According to an example embodiment, a device such as a node, device, or corresponding component can be configured as a circuit system, computer, or microprocessor (such as a single-chip computer element) or a chipset, which can include at least a memory for providing storage capacity used for (one or more) arithmetic operations and / or an arithmetic processor for performing (one or more) arithmetic operations.

[0075] The example embodiments described herein can be applied to both singular and plural implementations, regardless of whether the singular or plural language is used to describe a particular embodiment. For example, an embodiment that describes the operation of a single network node can also be applied to an example embodiment that includes multiple instances of the network node, and vice versa.

[0076] Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that the example embodiments described above can be practiced using processes in a different order and / or using hardware elements in a configuration different from the disclosed configuration. Thus, although some embodiments have been described based on these example embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructs will be apparent while remaining within the spirit and scope of the example embodiments.

[0077] Partial glossary:

[0078] BC band combination

[0079] CA Carrier Aggregation

[0080] DL Downlink

[0081] FDD Frequency Division Duplexing

[0082] gNB 5G Node B

[0083] IODT Inter-Device Interoperability Test

[0084] NC Non-Continuous

[0085] NS Network Signaling

[0086] TDD Time Division Duplexing

[0087] UE User Equipment

[0088] UL Uplink

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform: generate a list of frequency bands including a plurality of frequency bands in a defined reverse chronological order; and provide the list of frequency bands to a user equipment.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of frequency bands includes an earlier defined frequency band and a later defined frequency band, and wherein the reverse chronological order includes: The later-defined frequency bands are listed before the earlier-defined frequency bands.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the later-defined frequency bands include a first sub-band and a second sub-band, and wherein the earlier-defined frequency band consists of the first sub-band.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first sub-band and the second sub-band are discontinuous with each other.

5. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first sub-band and the second sub-band are continuous with each other.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the later-defined frequency bands include the earlier-defined frequency band and another sub-band.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least perform: receive, at the apparatus, an indication of the supported frequency bands from the frequency band list from the user equipment; and determine a support level of a sub-band based on the indication.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least perform: switch the user equipment based on the determined support level.

9. A method, comprising: generating, by a device, a list of frequency bands including a plurality of frequency bands in a defined reverse chronological order; and providing, by the device, the list of frequency bands to a user equipment.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of frequency bands includes an earlier defined frequency band and a later defined frequency band, and wherein the reverse chronological order includes: The later-defined frequency bands are listed before the earlier-defined frequency bands.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the later-defined frequency bands include a first sub-band and a second sub-band, and wherein the earlier-defined frequency band consists of the first sub-band.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the first sub-band and the second sub-band are discontinuous with each other.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the first sub-band and the second sub-band are continuous with each other.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the later-defined frequency bands include the earlier-defined frequency band and another sub-band.

15. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, further comprising: receiving, at the device, an indication of the supported frequency bands from the frequency band list from the user equipment; and determining, by the device, a support level of a sub-band based on the indication.

16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: switching, by the device, the user equipment based on the determined support level.

17. An apparatus, comprising: means for generating a list of frequency bands including a plurality of frequency bands in a defined reverse chronological order; and means for providing the list of frequency bands to a user equipment.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the plurality of frequency bands include an earlier-defined frequency band and a later-defined frequency band, and wherein the reverse chronological order includes: The later-defined frequency band is listed before the earlier-defined frequency band.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the later-defined frequency band includes a first sub-band and a second sub-band, and wherein the earlier-defined frequency band consists of the first sub-band.

20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the first sub-band and the second sub-band are discontinuous with each other.

21. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the first sub-band and the second sub-band are continuous with each other.

22. The apparatus according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the later-defined frequency band includes the earlier-defined frequency band and another sub-band.

23. The apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 22, further comprising: means for receiving an indication of a supported frequency band from the list of frequency bands from the user equipment; and means for determining a support level of a sub-band based on the indication.

24. The apparatus according to claim 23, further comprising: means for switching the user equipment based on the determined support level.

25. A computer program product, the computer program product encoding instructions for performing the method according to any one of claims 9 to 16.

26. A non-transitory computer-readable medium, the non-transitory computer-readable medium being encoded with instructions that, when executed in hardware, perform the method according to any one of claims 9 to 16.

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