Facilitating low density demodulation reference signal configuration in advanced communication networks

Abstract

Facilitating low density demodulation reference signal configuration in advanced communication networks is provided herein. A method includes extending, by a network device including a processor, a set of demodulation reference signal (DM-RS) ports across contiguous physical resource blocks (PRBs) based on a determined DM-RS configuration and a defined density for at least one user equipment. Extending the set of DM-RS ports may include dividing the set of DM-RS ports into a first subset of DM-RS ports and at least a second subset of DM-RS ports. Further, extending the set of DM-RS ports may include assigning a first subset of DM-RS ports and at least a second subset of DM-RS ports to respective ones of the contiguous PRBs.

Description

Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 18 / 339,307, and titled “FACILITATING LOW-DENSITY DEMODULATION REFERENCE SIGNAL CONFIGURATIONS IN ADVANCED COMMUNICATION NETWORKS,” filed on June 22, 2023, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. BACKGROUND

[0002] The use of computing devices is ubiquitous. For example, given the explosive demand for mobile networks and the emergence of advanced use cases (e.g., streaming, gaming, etc.), the amount of data to be transmitted (e.g., wireless data rate requirements) is higher compared to Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks. This increase in the amount of data to be transmitted can be attributed to the exponential growth of network traffic flowing through advanced networks and the demand for faster processing of complex tasks. Thus, given the upcoming Fifth Generation (5G), New Radio (NR), Sixth Generation (6G), or other next generation network communication standards, there are unique challenges related to network efficiency.

[0003] The above-described context with respect to communication networks is intended to provide only a summary of the current technology, and not to be exhaustive. Other contextual descriptions and corresponding benefits of some of the various non-limiting embodiments described herein will become more readily apparent upon review of the following detailed description. SUMMARY

[0004] A simplified summary of the disclosed subject matter is presented in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of various embodiments. The summary is not an extensive overview of the various embodiments. Neither is it intended to identify key or critical elements of the various embodiments nor to delineate the scope of the various embodiments. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0005] In an embodiment, a method is provided that includes extending, by a network device comprising a processor, a set of demodulation reference signal (DM-RS) ports across consecutive physical resource blocks (PRBs) based on a DM-RS configuration determined by at least one user equipment in the cell and a defined density. Extending the set of DM-RS ports can include partitioning the set of DM-RS ports into a first subset of DM-RS ports and at least a second subset of DM-RS ports. Further, extending the set of DM-RS ports can include assigning the first subset of DM-RS ports and the at least second subset of DM-RS ports to respective PRBs in the consecutive PRBs. The network device can be configured to operate in accordance with a new radio network communication protocol.

[0006] In an example, the consecutive PRBs can be consecutive in a frequency dimension. Further, extending the set of DM-RS ports can include distributing the first subset of DM-RS ports and the second subset of DM-RS ports across the consecutive PRBs in the frequency dimension.

[0007] In another example, the consecutive PRBs can be consecutive in a time dimension. Further to this example, extending the set of DM-RS ports can include distributing the first subset of DM-RS ports and the second subset of DM-RS ports across the consecutive PRBs in the time dimension.

[0008] According to another example, the consecutive PRBs include a first PRB, a second PRB, a third PRB, and at least a fourth PRB. A first group including the first PRB and the second PRB and a second group including the third PRB and the fourth PRB can be consecutive in a frequency dimension. A third group including the first PRB and the third PRB and a fourth group including the second PRB and the fourth PRB can be consecutive in a time dimension. Further to this example, extending the set of DM-RS ports can include distributing the first subset of DM-RS ports and the second subset of DM-RS ports across the consecutive PRBs in the frequency dimension and the time dimension.

[0009] In an implementation, extending the set of DM-RS ports can include distributing the first subset of DM-RS ports and the second subset of DM-RS ports across the consecutive PRBs in a disjoint arrangement. According to an additional or alternative implementation, extending the set of DM-RS ports can include distributing the first subset of DM-RS ports and the second subset of DM-RS ports across the consecutive PRBs in a non-disjoint arrangement.

[0010] According to an implementation, the method can include using, by the network device, three consecutive OFDM symbols in the respective PRB in the consecutive PRBs. In some implementations, the method can include using, by the network device, four consecutive OFDM symbols in the respective PRB in the consecutive PRBs.

[0011] Another embodiment relates to a system comprising: a processor; and a memory storing executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, facilitate performance of operations. The operations can include partitioning a set of pilot symbols into respective subsets of pilot symbols based on a defined demodulation reference signal (DM-RS) configuration for at least one user device. The operations can also include assigning the respective subsets of pilot symbols to respective physical resource blocks (PRBs) in a set of contiguous PRBs. Further, the operations can include transmitting, to the at least one user device, the set of contiguous PRBs including the pilot symbols and data symbols. In an example, the set of contiguous PRBs is contiguous in a time dimension, a frequency dimension, or a combination thereof. The system can be configured to operate within a communication network employing an extreme multiple-input multiple-output technique.

[0012] According to implementations, assigning the respective subsets of pilot symbols can include distributing the pilot symbols among the contiguous PRBs in a disjoint arrangement of pilot symbols. In additional or alternative implementations, assigning the respective subsets of pilot symbols can include distributing the pilot symbols among the contiguous PRBs in a non-disjoint arrangement of pilot symbols.

[0013] According to some implementations, prior to the assigning and based on the partitioning, the operations can include determining that a measured density of the pilot symbols fails to satisfy a defined density level after the partitioning. Accordingly, the operations can include using a three-symbol configuration for the respective subsets of pilot symbols within the respective PRBs.

[0014] In another implementation, prior to the assigning and based on the partitioning, the operations can include determining that a measured density of the pilot symbols fails to satisfy a defined density level after the partitioning. Accordingly, the operations can include using a four-symbol configuration for the respective subsets of pilot symbols within the respective PRBs.

[0015] According to another embodiment, provided herein is a non-transitory machine-readable medium comprising executable instructions that, when executed by a processor of a network device, facilitate performance of operations. The operations can include assigning a first set of demodulation reference signals (DM-RS) to respective first resource elements of a first physical resource block (PRB) based on a determined demodulation reference signal (DM-RS) configuration for at least one user device. Further, the operations can include assigning a second set of DM-RS to respective second resource elements of a second PRB. The first PRB and the at least second PRB are contiguous physical resource blocks.

[0016] In the example, the first PRB and at least the second PRB are contiguous physical resource blocks in the time dimension, the frequency dimension, or both the time dimension and the frequency dimension. Depending on some implementations, assigning the first set of DM-RS and assigning the second set of DM-RS may include using either a three-symbol DM-RS configuration or a four-symbol DM-RS configuration.

[0017] To achieve the foregoing and related objectives, the disclosed subject matter includes one or more of the features described more fully below. Certain illustrative aspects of the subject matter are set forth in detail in the following description and accompanying drawings. However, these aspects merely indicate a few of the various ways in which the principles of this subject matter can be employed. Other aspects, advantages, and novel features of the disclosed subject matter will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It will also be understood that the detailed description may include additional or alternative embodiments in addition to those described in the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Various non-limiting embodiments are further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 An example, non-limiting schematic representation of a physical resource block is shown;

[0020] Figure 2 Another example of a non-limiting schematic representation of a physical resource block is shown;

[0021] Figure 3 An example non-limiting message sequence flowchart is shown to facilitate the configuration and transmission of downlink demodulation reference signal (DM-RS) according to one or more embodiments described herein;

[0022] Figure 4 A schematic representation of a DM-RS configuration utilizing a single PRB is shown;

[0023] Figure 5 An example non-limiting schematic representation of a DM-RS configuration for DM-RS extension across a time dimension, according to one or more embodiments described herein, is shown;

[0024] Figure 6 An example non-limiting schematic representation of a DM-RS configuration for cross-frequency dimension DM-RS extension according to one or more embodiments described herein is shown;

[0025] Figure 7 An example, non-limiting schematic representation of a demodulation reference signal configuration for DM-RS extension across both the time and frequency dimensions, according to one or more embodiments described herein, is shown.

[0026] Figure 8 An example, non-limiting schematic representation of a physical resource block for a three-symbol DM-RS configuration is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein;

[0027] Figure 9 An example, non-limiting schematic representation of a physical resource block for a four-symbol DM-RS configuration is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein;

[0028] Figure 10 An example, non-limiting schematic representation of a DM-RS configuration with disjoint DM-RS subsets is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein;

[0029] Figure 11 An example, non-limiting schematic representation of a DM-RS configuration with non-disjoint DM-RS subsets is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein;

[0030] Figure 12 An example, non-limiting schematic representation of an extended DM-RS configuration in the frequency dimension is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein;

[0031] Figure 13 A flow diagram of an example, non-limiting computer-implemented method that facilitates low density DM-RS configuration in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein is shown;

[0032] Figure 14 A flow diagram of an example, non-limiting computer-implemented method that facilitates low density DM-RS configuration while maintaining defined density levels in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein is shown;

[0033] Figure 15 An example, non-limiting system that facilitates low density DM-RS configuration in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein is shown;

[0034] Figure 16 An example, non-limiting system that employs automated learning of a training model to facilitate one or more of the disclosed aspects in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein is shown;

[0035] Figure 17 An example, non-limiting computing environment in which one or more embodiments described herein can be facilitated is shown; and

[0036] Figure 18 An example, non-limiting networked environment in which one or more embodiments described herein can be facilitated is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] One or more embodiments will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, a number of specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments. However, in practice, various embodiments can be implemented with or without the specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate describing the various embodiments.

[0038] To meet the increasing demand for wireless data rate in the evolution from 5G to 6G and beyond, extreme multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology is being researched by global industry participants and researchers. With antenna arrays having up to 1024 elements at network devices (e.g., base stations) and larger antenna arrays at terminals, extreme MIMO is expected to use the future mid-frequency spectrum 6 GHz to 20 GHz to provide a significant capacity increase. In addition, extreme MIMO is expected to support up to 64 layers of downlink transmission at the mid-frequency spectrum. The main steps of technology evolution are necessary to make extreme MIMO technology a reality. Note that although reference is made to “extreme” MIMO, other names can be utilized to refer to this technology.

[0039] The problem addressed with the disclosed embodiments is channel estimation in extreme MIMO implementations. Due to the large number of downlink transmission layers (e.g., up to 64 layers), a large portion of the transmission resources will be occupied by pilots. Pilots are reference symbols known to the receiver (e.g., user equipment (UE)) and channel estimation will be performed for each layer transmission. Such a large pilot overhead limits the ability to increase data transmission rates envisioned for extreme MIMO.

[0040] In 3GPP terminology, pilot symbols designed for the purpose of symbol demodulation at the receiver (e.g., UE) are referred to as demodulation reference signals (DM-RS). In OFDM, DM-RS are assigned to resource elements (REs) within a physical resource block (PRB) according to a specific pattern specified in the 5G NR standard.

[0041] 5G NR supports up to 8 DM-RS ports for downlink single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO) transmission. Figure 1 An example non-limiting schematic diagram of a physical resource block (PRB 100) is shown. PRB 100 is represented as a grid of 12 subcarriers (vertical axis) by 14 OFDM symbols (horizontal axis). For simplicity, Figure 1 Only a single PRB is shown in FIG. 1. However, in implementations, there can be many PRBs stacked horizontally and / or vertically, which results in a very large grid.

[0042] PRB 100 includes a DM-RS pattern for 8 DM-RS ports (labeled 0 through 7). In this example, pilots are transmitted on the third and fourth OFDM symbols. Data can be transmitted on the other OFDM symbols (i.e., the first, second, and fifth through fourteenth OFDM symbols). According to various implementations, the DM-RS ports can be transmitted on different OFDM symbols than shown and described.

[0043] As indicated, the DM-RS ports are repeated three times in PRB 100. The repetition increases the density for better channel estimation by a receiver (e.g., a UE). If the density is decreased, the quality of the channel estimation decreases. The benefit of decreasing the density is that there can be more OFDM symbols on which data can be sent instead of being occupied by pilot symbols. Thus, there is a tradeoff between better channel estimation (higher density) and the opportunity to transmit more data (lower density).

[0044] Figure 1 The DM-RS pattern of FIG. 1 can be referred to as a Type 1 two-symbol DM-RS (e.g., 8 antenna ports). As shown, two of the total 14 OFDM symbols in PRB 100 (the third and fourth OFDM symbols) are occupied by DM-RS, resulting in about fourteen percent of the time and / or frequency resources (e.g., 2 divided by 14 is about 14% or 2 / 14 ≅ 14%). This overhead increases to about twenty-eight percent (e.g., about 28%) for two DM-RS instances per slot.

[0045] Figure 1 The 8-port DM-RS pattern of FIG. 1 is repeated three times in one PRB (e.g., PRB 100). As discussed herein, DM-RS density is defined as the number of times the full set of DM-RS ports (numbered 0 through 7) is repeated in one PRB. Thus, because the DM-RS ports are repeated three times, the DM-RS density for Figure 1 The configured DM-RS density in FIG. 1 is 3.

[0046] Figure 2 Another example non-limiting diagram of a physical resource block (PRB 200) is shown. PRB 200 is represented as a grid of 12 subcarriers (vertical axis) by 14 OFDM symbols (horizontal axis). For simplicity, Figure 2 Only a single PRB is shown in FIG. 2. However, in implementations, there can be many PRBs stacked horizontally and / or vertically, which results in a very large grid.

[0047] PRB 200 includes a DM-RS pattern for 12 DM-RS ports (labeled 0 through 11). In this example, pilots are transmitted on the third and fourth OFDM symbols. Data can be transmitted on the other OFDM symbols (i.e., the first, second, and fifth through fourteenth OFDM symbols). According to various implementations, the DM-RS ports can be transmitted on different OFDM symbols than shown and described.

[0048] As indicated, the DM-RS ports are repeated twice in PRB 200. Figure 2 A second type (Type 2) two-symbol DM-RS (transmitting 12 antenna ports and 24 DM-RS) is shown. For MU-MIMO, as Figure 2 depicted, 5G NR supports up to 12 DM-RS ports (numbered 0 through 11). However, the DM-RS overhead is the same as in the SU-MIMO case ( Figure 1 ). The reason that the DM-RS overhead does not exceed that of the SU-MIMO case is that the DM-RS density is 2 ( Figure 2 ) instead of 3 ( Figure 1 ).

[0049] Currently, the maximum number of DM-RS ports supported by NR is 8 and 12. The challenge addressed with the disclosed embodiments is large DM-RS overhead for a larger number of antenna ports than already supported in current 5G NR. A direct extension (or continuation of the approach discussed in Figure 1 and Figure 2 ) to 16 or 32 DM-RS ports for extreme MIMO would result in excessive DM-RS overhead.

[0050] For example, using the same approach as discussed above for 16 DM-RS ports would result in 4 out of 14 OFDM symbols in a PRB being occupied by DM-RS. This would result in approximately 28% of the time and / or frequency resources being occupied (e.g., 4 divided by 14 is approximately 28% or 4 / 14 ≅ 28%).

[0051] For 32 DM-RS ports, 8 out of 14 OFDM symbols in a PRB will be occupied by DM-RS. This results in about 57% of time and / or frequency resources being occupied (e.g., 8 divided by 14 is about 57% or 8 / 14 ≅ 57%), which is not feasible. For 32 DM-RS ports, the case of two DM-RS instances is even impossible (e.g., resulting in more than 100% occupancy). Thus, the disclosed embodiments provide a DM-RS configuration that does not include such a large overhead as discussed above for the 16 and 32 DM-RS port cases.

[0052] Figure 3 An example non-limiting message sequence flow diagram 300 is shown that facilitates downlink DM-RS configuration and transmission in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. A network device 302 and a user equipment (UE 304) are shown. The network device can be or can include a gNB, for example.

[0053] The disclosed embodiments relate to DM-RS design for a large number of antenna ports that are not supported in existing 5G NR. Figure 3 A general flow diagram is depicted for DM-RS configuration for downlink transmission.

[0054] As shown, the network device 302 transmits a DM-RS configuration 306 to the UE 304. The UE 304 is able to use the DM-RS configuration because, in order to estimate the channel, as a result, the UE is able to know where the DM-RS is transmitted in the PRB, which is accomplished by the DM-RS configuration 306.

[0055] There is a corresponding DM-RS mapping 308 by the network device 302. This mapping indicates which symbols (e.g., PRBs) in the grid contain DM-RS. At or after the DM-RS mapping 308, a downlink transmission 310 is sent to the UE 304, which is where the pilot transmission and data transmission takes place. At or after receiving the downlink transmission, the UE 304 performs channel estimation 312. Thereafter, decoding is performed by the UE 304.

[0056] In 5G NR DM-RS configuration, the full set of DM-RS ports is allocated within a PRB with a predefined diversity and / or density. For example, in Figure 1 In 5G NR DM-RS configuration, the full set of DM-RS ports is allocated within a PRB with a predefined diversity and / or density. For example, in Figure 2In one PRB, two sets of 12 DM-RS ports (numbered 0 through 11) are allocated. To support a large number of DM-RS antenna ports, the disclosed embodiments reduce the DM-RS density in a PRB.

[0057] As discussed herein, it is possible to exceed the number of DM-RS ports currently supported in NR by reducing the DM-RS density within a PRB. In Figure 1 and Figure 2 In a Type 1 configuration or a Type 2 configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively, by reducing the DM-RS density to 1, the maximum number of DM-RS ports using double-symbol DM-RS would then be 24. To support the needs of extreme MIMO, alternative DM-RS configurations are provided herein to support 32 DM-RS ports, 64 DM-RS ports, or another number of DM-RS ports.

[0058] As provided herein, by reducing the DM-RS density in time and / or frequency to support a large number of antenna ports (e.g., 32 or 64 antenna ports), one full set of DM-RS ports is spread across multiple consecutive PRBs. In Figures 4 to 7 The concept of DM-RS spreading across multiple consecutive PRBs as provided herein is depicted in FIG. 3. Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a DM-RS configuration 400 utilizing a single PRB is shown. Time 402 is shown on the horizontal axis, while frequency 404 is shown on the vertical axis. The DM-RS configuration 400 is for 5G NR, where the DM-RS for all transmission layers 406 (antenna ports) is within one single PRB 408. The same or similar pattern can be repeated for other PRBs. For a small number of DM-RS ports (e.g., 8 or 12 as discussed with respect to Figure 1 and Figure 2 It is possible to have the DM-RS for all transmission layers in a single PRB for a small number of DM-RS ports (e.g., 8 or 12 as discussed with respect to

[0059] Figure 5 An example, non-limiting schematic diagram of a DM-RS configuration 500 for DM-RS spreading across a time dimension in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein is shown. Time 502 is shown on the horizontal axis, while frequency 504 is shown on the vertical axis. The DM-RS configuration 500 includes two PRBs, which are shown as a first PRB 506 and a second PRB 508. The first PRB 506 and the second PRB 508 are consecutive PRBs in the time dimension.

[0060] A first set of DM-RS ports 510 is included in the first PRB 506, while a second set of DM-RS ports 512 is included in the second PRB 508. For example, in the case of 32 antenna ports, 16 antenna ports can be included in the first set of DM-RS ports 510, while the other 16 antenna ports can be included in the second set of DM-RS ports 512. However, other configurations for spreading can be used with the disclosed embodiments.

[0061] In some implementations, the DM-RS sets can be disjoint or in a disjoint arrangement (e.g., the DM-RS sets only occur in one PRB). However, in other implementations, the DM-RS sets can be non-disjoint or in a non-disjoint arrangement (e.g., the DM-RS sets occur in multiple PRBs). Details related to disjoint and non-disjoint embodiments will be discussed below with respect to Figure 10 and Figure 11 Note that the DM-RS can be divided or spread into more than two subsets across more than two PRBs. However, for simplicity, only two subsets and two PRBs are shown and described. Although the DM-RS configuration 500 has reduced the density in the time dimension, the density has not been reduced in the frequency dimension.

[0062] Figure 6 An example, non-limiting diagram of a DM-RS configuration 600 for DM-RS spreading across the frequency dimension is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. Time 602 is shown on the horizontal axis, while frequency 604 is shown on the vertical axis. The DM-RS configuration 600 includes two PRBs, which are shown as a first PRB 606 and a second PRB 608 in the frequency dimension.

[0063] A first set of DM-RS ports 610 is included in the first PRB 606, while a second set of DM-RS ports 612 is included in the second PRB 608. The first PRB 606 and the second PRB 608 are contiguous PRBs in the frequency dimension. Note that the DM-RS can be divided or spread into more than two subsets across more than two PRBs. However, for simplicity, only two subsets and two PRBs are shown and described. Although the DM-RS configuration 600 has reduced the density in the frequency dimension, the density has not been reduced in the time dimension.

[0064] A first set of DM-RS ports 610 is included in the first PRB 606, while a second set of DM-RS ports 612 is included in the second PRB 608. For example, in the case of 32 antenna ports, 16 antenna ports can be included in the first set of DM-RS ports 610, while the other 16 antenna ports can be included in the second set of DM-RS ports 612. In some implementations, the DM-RS sets can be disjoint (e.g., only present in one PRB). However, in other implementations, the DM-RS sets can be non-disjoint (e.g., present in multiple PRBs). Note that the DM-RS can be divided or spread into more than two subsets across more than two PRBs. However, for simplicity, only two subsets and two PRBs are shown and described. Although the density has been reduced in the frequency dimension in the DM-RS configuration 600, the density has not been reduced in the time dimension.

[0065] Figure 7 An example, non-limiting diagram of a DM-RS configuration 700 for DM-RS spreading across both the time dimension and the frequency dimension is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. Time 702 is shown on the horizontal axis, while frequency 704 is shown on the vertical axis.

[0066] Figure 7 The DM-RS configuration 700 includes four PRBs, shown as a first PRB 706, a second PRB 708, a third PRB 710, and a fourth PRB 712. The first PRB 706 and the second PRB 708 (e.g., a first group) are contiguous PRBs in the frequency dimension. In a similar manner, the third PRB 710 and the fourth PRB 712 (e.g., a second group) are contiguous PRBs in the frequency dimension. Further, the first PRB 706 and the third PRB 710 (e.g., a third group) are contiguous PRBs in the time dimension. In a similar manner, the second PRB 708 and the fourth PRB 712 (e.g., a fourth group) are contiguous PRBs in the time dimension. Note that although discussed with respect to four PRBs, another number of PRBs can be used with the disclosed embodiments. Further, an equal or unequal number of PRBs can be associated with the time and frequency domains. For example, a first number of PRBs across the time domain and a second number of PRBs across the frequency domain can be the same number or a different number.

[0067] In Figure 7In the example of FIG. 7, the DM-RS ports are divided into four subsets. A first subset 714 of DM-RS ports is included in the first PRB 706. A second subset 716 of DM-RS ports is included in the second PRB 708. A third subset 718 of DM-RS ports is included in the third PRB 710. A fourth subset 720 of DM-RS ports is included in the fourth PRB 712. Thus, the density is reduced in both the time dimension and the frequency dimension. In some implementations, the DM-RS sets can be disjoint (e.g., present in only one PRB). However, in other implementations, the DM-RS sets can be non-disjoint (e.g., present in multiple PRBs). The DM-RS subsets in consecutive PRBs are not limited to being in a disjoint arrangement. This provides flexibility for more distributed DM-RS patterns, which can provide better interpolation in channel estimation. Additional details related to disjoint and / or non-disjoint DM-RS sets will be discussed below with respect to some use case examples. Moreover, although discussed with respect to four sets of DM-RS ports, the disclosed embodiments are not limited to this number, and any number of sets of DM-RS ports can be utilized.

[0068] For Figures 5 to 7 the proposed extended DM-RS design of FIG. 7, each DM-RS subset can follow the same or similar pattern as in 5G NR. For example, a 32-port DM-RS can be configured using the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, where each of the four DM-RS subsets of size 8 follows the same design as the 5G NR 8-port DM-RS. However, in other embodiments, another pattern can be utilized. Figure 7

[0069] Figures 5 to 7 The DM-RS configuration depicted in FIG. 7 can support a large number of DM-RS antenna ports by reducing the DM-RS density in the time dimension and / or the frequency dimension. Reducing the DM-RS density across subcarriers (frequency) can be reasonable given that the channel is expected to be more sparse at mid-band spectrum (e.g., 6 GHz to 20 GHz) in the future compared to low-band, resulting in higher channel correlation across subcarriers. This alleviates the need for dense DM-RS along the frequency domain. On the other hand, for stationary UEs where the channel variation over time is negligible, reducing the DM-RS density across the time domain can be reasonable.

[0070] For a large number of antenna ports, DM-RS spreading across multiple PRBs can result in too low of a DM-RS density (e.g., a density that fails to meet a defined density threshold). To address this and other issues, in an implementation, a three-symbol DM-RS can be utilized. According to another implementation, a four-symbol DM-RS can be utilized. Additional details will be discussed below with respect to FIGS. 9 and 10, respectively.​Figure 8 and Figure 9 to describe three-symbol DM-RS and four-symbol DM-RS use cases.

[0071] Figure 8 An example, non-limiting diagram of a physical resource block (PRB 800) for a three-symbol DM-RS configuration is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. The PRB 800 is represented as a grid of 12 subcarriers (vertical axis) by 14 OFDM symbols (horizontal axis). For simplicity, Figure 8 only a single PRB is shown. However, in implementations, there can be many PRBs stacked horizontally and / or vertically, resulting in a very large grid. As shown at 802, pilots are transmitted on the third, fourth, and fifth OFDM symbols of the three-symbol DM-RS configuration. Thus, the DM-RS consumes three consecutive OFDM symbols in the PRB 800, resulting in higher density. Data can be transmitted on the remaining OFDM symbols (e.g., the first, second, and sixth through fourteenth symbols).

[0072] Figure 9 An example, non-limiting diagram of a physical resource block (PRB 900) for a four-symbol DM-RS configuration is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. The PRB 800 is represented as a grid of 12 subcarriers (vertical axis) by 14 OFDM symbols (horizontal axis). For simplicity, Figure 9 only a single PRB is shown. However, in implementations, there can be many PRBs stacked horizontally and / or vertically, resulting in a very large grid. As shown at 902, pilots are transmitted on the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth OFDM symbols of the four-symbol DM-RS configuration. Thus, the DM-RS consumes four consecutive OFDM symbols in the PRB 900, resulting in higher density. Data can be transmitted on the remaining OFDM symbols (e.g., the first, second, and seventh through fourteenth symbols).

[0073] The three-symbol DM-RS configuration ( Figure 8 ) and the four-symbol DM-RS configuration ( Figure 9 ) can allow for greater DM-RS density when used in conjunction with DM-RS spreading. In the three-symbol DM-RS configuration and / or the four-symbol DM-RS configuration, the DM-RS consumes three and / or four consecutive OFDM symbols in a PRB, respectively, resulting in higher density.

[0074] A related aspect of the disclosed embodiments is how a network (e.g., network device) can configure a UE to use the three-symbol DM-RS configuration and / or the four-symbol DM-RS configuration. Figures 5 to 7The appropriate DM-RS configuration is selected among the embodiments shown in the middle. The decision depends on the number of DM-RS antenna ports, UE channel state information (CSI), and / or other UE related information (e.g., UE location, UE speed, etc.) available at the network device (e.g., gNB). Such information can be obtained through sensing or other means. The CSI is available at the network device through UE feedback or uplink-downlink channel reciprocity in time division duplex (TDD) mode. The network device can use the collected UE CSI samples to analyze the UE channel rank and / or sparsity, which can be used to determine the DM-RS density across the frequency domain. On the other hand, the network device can use the UE speed as a factor to determine the DM-RS density across the time domain. The higher the UE speed and / or UE Doppler spread, the more DM-RS is used for sufficient channel estimation accuracy. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) and / or machine learning (ML) processes on current and / or historical network data can also be used to determine the appropriate DM-RS density for the antenna ports.

[0075] According to various embodiments, unlike NR, the DM-RS corresponding to the full set of antenna ports can be spread across multiple PRBs. The spreading can be across two or more consecutive PRBs in the frequency domain, across two or more consecutive PRBs in the time domain, or a combination of two or more consecutive PRBs in the frequency domain and two or more consecutive PRBs in the time domain.

[0076] According to some embodiments, a three-symbol DM-RS configuration and / or a four-symbol DM-RS configuration can be utilized. Conventionally, 5G NR supports only single-symbol and double-symbol DM-RS. The three-symbol DM-RS and four-symbol DM-RS provide the flexibility to increase the DM-RS density in case the DM-RS spreading across multiple PRBs results in too low DM-RS density.

[0077] Figure 10 An example non-limiting diagram of a DM-RS configuration 1000 with disjoint DM-RS subsets is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. As shown, there are four PRBs, namely, a first PRB 1002, a second PRB 1004, a third PRB 1006, and a fourth PRB 1008. The example considers Figure 2 The NR 12-port DM-RS depicted in the middle is spread across 4 PRBs in both the time and frequency dimensions.

[0078] By spreading the DM-RS across multiple PRBs suitable for MU-MIMO, Figure 10An example of includes 48 antenna ports (labeled 0 through 47). The DM-RS is spread across both the time dimension and the frequency dimension. As depicted, antenna ports 0 through 11 are within the second PRB 1004; antenna ports 12 through 23 are within the first PRB 1002; antenna ports 24 through 35 are within the fourth PRB 1008; and antenna ports 36 through 47 are within the third PRB 1006. Thus, the sets (or subsets) 0 through 11, 12 through 23, 24 through 35, and 36 through 47 are in disjoint arrangements. In other words, DM-RS that occurs in one PRB does not occur in another PRB.

[0079] Figure 11 An example non-limiting diagram of a DM-RS configuration 1100 with non-disjoint DM-RS subsets is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. As shown, there are four PRBs, namely, a first PRB 1102, a second PRB 1104, a third PRB 1106, and a fourth PRB 1108. This example considers Figure 2 the NR 12-port DM-RS depicted in FIG. 11, and spreads the NR 12-port DM-RS across 4 PRBs in both the time dimension and the frequency dimension.

[0080] By spreading the DM-RS across multiple PRBs suitable for MU-MIMO, Figure 11 An example of includes 48 antenna ports (labeled 0 through 47). The DM-RS is spread across both the time dimension and the frequency dimension. In this use case, antenna ports 0 through 11 and 12 through 23 occur in both the second PRB 1104 and the third PRB 1006. Further, antenna ports 24 through 35 and 36 through 47 occur in both the first PRB 1102 and the fourth PRB 1108. Thus, the sets (or subsets) 0 through 11, 12 through 23, 24 through 35, and 36 through 47 are non-disjoint (e.g., occur in more than one PRB). The benefit of non-disjoint DM-RS subsets is that Figure 10 The subsets are more evenly distributed antenna ports across 4 PRBs than the disjoint DM-RS subsets of.

[0081] Figure 12 An example non-limiting diagram of a DM-RS configuration 1200 spread in the frequency dimension is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. Two PRBs are shown, namely, a first PRB 1202 and a second PRB 1204.

[0082] Figure 12An example is a 48-port DM-RS that is spread across two consecutive PRBs in the frequency dimension. DM-RS subsets 0 through 23 are included in the second PRB 1204, and DM-RS subsets 24 through 47 are included in the first PRB 1202. In this example, because 24 antenna ports are packed into one PRB, the DM-RS subsets within one PRB do not follow the NR design (within a PRB) as in the previous example. Because the 48 DM-RS antenna ports are distributed across two PRBs, the density is one-half (0.50). In the event that this density is too low or based on other considerations, a three-symbol configuration or a four-symbol configuration can be implemented as discussed herein. If a three-symbol configuration is used, the density is three-quarters (0.75). If a four-symbol configuration is used, the density is one.

[0083] Figure 13 A flow diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting computer-implemented method 1300 that facilitates low density demodulation reference signal configuration in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein is shown. The computer-implemented method 1300 and / or other methods discussed herein can be implemented by a network device including a processor. According to another example, the computer-implemented method can be implemented by a system including a processor and a memory.

[0084] Based on a determined demodulation reference signal (DM-RS) configuration for at least one user device and a defined density, the computer-implemented method 1300 begins at 1302 with spreading a set of DM-RS ports across consecutive physical resource blocks (PRBs). Spreading the set of DM-RS ports can include, at 1304, partitioning the set of DM-RS ports into a first subset of DM-RS ports and at least a second subset of DM-RS ports. Further, at 1306, the computer-implemented method 1300 includes assigning the first subset of DM-RS ports and the at least a second subset of DM-RS ports to respective ones of the consecutive PRBs. According to some implementations, spreading the set of DM-RS ports can be determined based on employing an AI process and / or an ML process.

[0085] According to an implementation, the consecutive PRBs can be consecutive in a frequency dimension. Further to this implementation, spreading the set of DM-RS ports can include distributing the first subset of DM-RS ports and the second subset of DM-RS ports across the consecutive PRBs in the frequency dimension.

[0086] In another implementation, the consecutive PRBs are consecutive in a time dimension. Further to this implementation, spreading the set of DM-RS ports can include distributing the first subset of DM-RS ports and the second subset of DM-RS ports across the consecutive PRBs in the time dimension.

[0087] According to some implementations, the contiguous PRBs include a first PRB, a second PRB, a third PRB, and at least a fourth PRB. A first group including the first PRB and the second PRB and a second group including the third PRB and the fourth PRB are contiguous in the frequency dimension. Further, a third group including the first PRB and the third PRB and a fourth group including the second PRB and the fourth PRB are contiguous in the time dimension. Further to these implementations, extending the set of DM-RS ports can include distributing a first subset of DM-RS ports and a second subset of DM-RS ports across the contiguous PRBs in both the frequency dimension and the time dimension.

[0088] Extending the set of DM-RS ports at 1302 can include distributing the first subset of DM-RS ports and the second subset of DM-RS ports across the contiguous PRBs in a disjoint arrangement. In this way, the DM-RS set appears in only one PRB. Alternatively, extending the set of DM-RS ports at 1302 can include distributing the first subset of DM-RS ports and the second subset of DM-RS ports across the contiguous PRBs in a non-disjoint arrangement. According to the non-disjoint arrangement, the DM-RS set can appear in multiple PRBs.

[0089] Figure 14 A flow diagram of an example non-limiting computer-implemented method 1400 that facilitates low density demodulation reference signal configuration while maintaining defined density levels according to one or more embodiments described herein is shown. The computer-implemented method 1400 and / or other methods discussed herein can be implemented by a network device including a processor. According to another example, the computer-implemented method can be implemented by a system including a processor and a memory.

[0090] At 1402, a set of pilot symbols is divided into respective subsets of pilot symbols based on a defined demodulation reference signal (DM-RS) configuration for one or more user devices. At 1404, a first set of DM-RS can be assigned to respective first resource elements of a first PRB and a second set of DM-RS can be assigned to respective second resource elements of a second PRB. The first PRB and at least the second PRB are contiguous PRBs. Note that the DM-RS configuration can be for one UE or multiple UEs. In the latter case, each UE is assigned only a subset of all DM-RS ports. For example, it is possible to assign 32 DM-RS ports to 32 UEs (one port per UE). However, the disclosed embodiments are not limited to this implementation.

[0091] According to an alternative implementation, at 1406, one of a three-symbol DM-RS configuration or a four-symbol DM-RS configuration can be used to assign a first set of DM-RS to respective first resource elements of the first PRB and a second set of DM-RS to respective second resource elements of the second PRB. At or after the assigning, the computer-implemented method 1400 continues at 1408 with transmitting, to one or more user devices, the set of contiguous PRBs including pilot symbols and data symbols.

[0092] Figure 15 An example, non-limiting system 1500 that facilitates low density DM-RS configuration in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein is shown. Repetitive description of like elements employed in other embodiments described herein is omitted for sake of brevity. The system 1500 can be configured to perform the functions associated with the computer-implemented method 1300 of FIG. 13, Figure 13 the computer-implemented method 1300 of FIG. 13, Figure 14 the computer-implemented method 1400 of FIG. 14, other computer-implemented methods, and / or DM-RS configurations discussed herein.

[0093] Aspects of the systems (e.g., system 1500, etc.), devices, apparatuses, and / or processes explained in this disclosure can constitute machine-executable component(s) embodied within machine(s), e.g., embodied in one or more computer readable mediums (CRMs) associated with one or more machines. Such component(s), when executed by the one or more machines, e.g., computing device(s), virtual machine(s), etc., can cause the machine(s) to perform the operations described.

[0094] In various embodiments, the system 1500 can be any type of component, machine, device, facility, apparatus, and / or instrument that includes a processor and / or that can be in operative and / or operable communication with a wired and / or wireless network. Components, machines, devices, facilities, and / or instruments that can include the system 1500 can include a tablet computing device, a handheld device, a server-level computing machine and / or database, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a desktop computer, a cell phone, a smart phone, a consumer appliance, and / or a use instrument, an industrial and / or commercial device, a handheld device, a digital assistant, a multimedia Internet enabled phone, a multimedia player, etc.

[0095] The system 1500 can include a network device 1502 that includes an allocation component 1504, an assignment component 1506, a measurement component 1508, an evaluation component 1510, a symbol configuration component 1512, at least one memory 1514, at least one processor 1516, at least one data repository 1518 (or at least one storage device), and a transmitter / receiver component 1520. The at least one memory 1514 can store computer-executable components and instructions. The at least one processor 1516 can facilitate execution of the instructions (e.g., computer-executable components and corresponding instructions) by the allocation component 1504, the assignment component 1506, the measurement component 1508, the evaluation component 1510, the symbol configuration component 1512, the transmitter / receiver component 1520, and / or other system components. As depicted, in some embodiments, one or more of the allocation component 1504, the assignment component 1506, the measurement component 1508, the evaluation component 1510, the symbol configuration component 1512, the at least one memory 1514, the at least one processor 1516, the at least one data repository 1518, and the transmitter / receiver component 1520 can be electrically, communicatively, and / or operatively coupled to one another to facilitate the performance of one or more functions of the system 1500.

[0096] A DM-RS configuration for one or more user devices 1522 can be determined (e.g., via a configuration component, not shown). The determination can be based on a number of DM-RS antenna ports, UE CSI, and / or other UE-related information (e.g., UE location, UE speed, etc.) available at the network device 1502. Such information can be obtained through sensing (e.g., via the transmitter / receiver component 1520 and / or one or more sensor components, not shown) or another approach. CSI is available at the network device through UE feedback (e.g., received via the transmitter / receiver component 1520) or uplink-downlink channel reciprocity in time-division duplex (TDD) mode (e.g., via the transmitter / receiver component 1520).

[0097] The allocation component 1504 can be configured to divide a set of pilot symbols into respective subsets of pilot symbols based on a defined demodulation reference signal (DM-RS) configuration for one or more user devices 1522. The assignment component 1506 can be configured to assign the respective subsets of pilot symbols to respective physical resource blocks (PRBs) in a set of contiguous PRBs. The assignment component 1506 can use collected UE CSI samples to analyze UE channel rank and / or sparsity, which can be used to determine DM-RS density across the frequency domain. On the other hand, the assignment component 1506 can use UE speed as a factor in determining DM-RS density across the time domain. The higher the UE speed and / or UE Doppler spread, the more DM-RS implied to be used for sufficient channel estimation accuracy.

[0098] The transmitter / receiver component 1520 can transmit a set of contiguous PRBs including pilot symbols and data symbols to one or more user equipment 1522. Note that while discussed with respect to a single UE, the disclosed embodiments can be used with multiple UEs within a communication network.

[0099] In an example, the set of contiguous PRBs can be contiguous in a time dimension, a frequency dimension, or a combination thereof (e.g., both a time dimension and a frequency dimension, which can also be referred to as a time domain and a frequency domain).

[0100] To assign respective subsets of pilot symbols, the assignment component 1506 can distribute pilot symbols among the contiguous PRBs in a disjoint arrangement of pilot symbols. Alternatively or additionally, the assignment component 1506 can distribute pilot symbols among the contiguous PRBs in a non-disjoint arrangement of pilot symbols.

[0101] According to some implementations, after partitioning, the measurement component 1508 can measure or determine a density of pilot symbols. The evaluation component 1510 can determine whether the measured density satisfies a defined density level, or determine that it fails to satisfy a defined density level. If the evaluation component 1510 determines that the measured density fails to satisfy a defined density level, the symbol configuration component 1512 can use a three-symbol configuration and / or a four-symbol configuration for the respective subset of pilot symbols within the respective PRB.

[0102] The at least one memory 1514 can be operatively connected to the at least one processor 1516. The at least one memory 1514 can store executable instructions and / or computer-executable components (e.g., the allocation component 1504, the assignment component 1506, the measurement component 1508, the evaluation component 1510, the symbol configuration component 1512, the transmitter / receiver component 1520, etc.) that, when executed by the at least one processor 1516, can facilitate operations (e.g., operations discussed with respect to various use cases, DM-RS configurations, methods, and / or systems discussed herein). In addition, the at least one processor 1516 can be used to execute the computer-executable components stored in the at least one memory 1514.

[0103] For example, the at least one memory 1514 can store protocols associated with facilitating low density demodulation reference signal configurations as discussed herein. In addition, the at least one memory 1514 can facilitate actions of controlling communications between the network device 1502, other network devices, one or more user equipment 1522, and / or other user equipment such that the system 1500 employs the stored protocols and / or algorithms to achieve improved overall performance based on DM-RS extensions as described herein.

[0104] It should be appreciated that the data repository (e.g., memory) components described herein can be volatile memory or nonvolatile memory, or can include both volatile and nonvolatile memory. By way of example and not limitation, nonvolatile memory can include read only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM), which acts as external cache memory. By way of example and not limitation, RAM is available in many forms such as synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM). Memory of the various aspects disclosed herein is intended to include, without being limited to, these and other suitable types of memory.

[0105] The at least one processor 1516 can facilitate a corresponding analysis of information related to facilitating low density DM-RS configuration and DM-RS extension. The at least one processor 1516 can be a processor dedicated to analyzing and / or generating information received, a processor that controls one or more components of the system 1500, and / or a processor that both analyzes and generates information received and controls one or more components of the system 1500.

[0106] The transmitter / receiver component 1520 can receive information and / or can return information related to DM-RS assignment and / or transmission of pilot symbols and data. The transmitter / receiver component 1520 can be configured to transmit and / or receive data to / from, for example, one or more network devices and / or one or more user devices. Through the transmitter / receiver component 1520, the system 1500 can concurrently transmit and receive data, can transmit and receive data at different times, or a combination thereof.

[0107] Figure 16 An example, non-limiting system 1600 that employs automated learning of a trained model to facilitate one or more of the various aspects disclosed is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. Repetitive description of like elements employed in other embodiments described herein is omitted for sake of brevity. Figure 15 one or more of the components and / or functionality of the system 1500 of FIG. 15, and vice versa.

[0108] As illustrated, the network device 1502 can include a machine learning and inference component 1602, which can be used to automate one or more of the various aspects disclosed based on a trained model 1604. According to one or more aspects described herein, the machine learning and inference component 1602 can employ automated learning and inference processes in conjunction with making inferential and / or probabilistic determinations and / or statistically-based determinations (e.g., use of explicitly and / or implicitly trained statistical classifiers).

[0109] For example, the machine learning and inference component 1602 can employ the principles of probabilistic and decision theoretic inference. Additionally or alternatively, the machine learning and inference component 1602 can rely on predictive models (e.g., model 1604) built using machine learning and / or automated learning processes. Logic-centric inferences can also be used, alone or in combination with probabilistic approaches.

[0110] The machine learning and inference component 1602 can infer the amount of DM-RS spreading to utilize (e.g., the number of contiguous PRBs, whether the spreading should be over the time dimension, the frequency dimension, or a combination thereof, etc.) by obtaining knowledge about possible actions and knowledge about the desired density level, the tradeoff between better channel estimation (higher density) versus the opportunity to transmit more data (lower density), etc. Based on this knowledge, the machine learning and inference component 1602 can make an inference of whether to use a three-symbol spreading, a four-symbol spreading, or a combination thereof based on the type of DM-RS spreading (e.g., across time, frequency, or both time and frequency).

[0111] As used herein, the term "inference" generally refers to the process of reasoning or inferring a state of a system, component, module, environment, and / or device from a set of observations such as captured via events, reports, data, and / or through other forms of communication. For example, inference can be used to identify a manner of DM-RS spreading across multiple contiguous PRBs, or can generate a probability distribution of states. Inference can be probabilistic. For example, computing a probability distribution of a state of interest is based on consideration of data and / or events. The inference can also refer to techniques for composing higher-level events from a set of events and / or data. Such inference can result in the construction of new events and / or actions from the set of observed events and / or stored event data, whether or not the events are closely related in time and / or whether the events and / or data come from one or several event and / or data sources. Various classification schemes and / or systems (e.g., support vector machines, neural networks, logic-centric production systems, Bayesian belief networks, fuzzy logic, data fusion engines, etc.) can be employed in conjunction with the automated and / or inferred actions related to the various aspects disclosed to produce the described functionality.

[0112] Various aspects (e.g., in connection with facilitating low density demodulation reference signal configurations) can employ various artificial intelligence-based solutions to implement various aspects thereof. For example, processes for determining whether a particular configuration for DM-RS spreading should be utilized can be implemented through automated classifier systems and processes.

[0113] A classifier is a function that maps an input attribute vector, X = (xl, x2, x3, x4, xn), to a confidence that the input belongs to a class. That is, f(X) = confidence(class). Such classification can employ a probabilistic and / or statistical-based analysis (e.g., factoring into the analysis utilities and costs) to prognose or infer an action that a system should take or that should be undertaken, in order to determine the class to which an input is to be assigned.

[0114] A support vector machine (SVM) is an example of a classifier that can be employed. The SVM operates by finding a hypersurface in the space of possible inputs, which hypersurface attempts to split the triggering criteria from the non-triggering events. Intuitively, this makes the classification correct for testing data that is similar, but not necessarily identical, to the training data. Other directed and undirected model classification approaches (e.g., naϊve Bayes, Bayesian networks, decision trees, neural networks, fuzzy logic models, and probabilistic classification models) can be employed in

[0115] One or more aspects can employ explicit trained classifiers (e.g., through general training data) as well as implicit trained classifiers (e.g., through obtaining current information, through obtaining historical information, through receiving external information, etc.). For example, a SVM can be configured through a learning or training phase within a classifier constructor and feature selection module. Thus, the classifier(s) can be used to automatically learn and perform a variety of functions, including but not limited to determining a number of consecutive PRBs for DM-RS spreading, implementing one or more dimensions of DM-RS spreading, whether to use a three-symbol configuration and / or a four-symbol configuration, etc., in accordance with predetermined criteria.

[0116] Additionally or alternatively, implementations (e.g., rules, policies, etc.) can be applied to control and / or regulate DM-RS spreading as discussed herein. In some implementations, a rule-based implementation can automatically and / or dynamically apply DM-RS spreading based on predefined criteria. In response thereto, the rule-based implementation can automatically interpret and implement functionality associated with DM-RS spreading through employing predefined and / or programmed rule(s) based on any desired criteria.

[0117] According to some implementations, seed data (e.g., a dataset) can be used as initial input to the model 1604 to facilitate training of the model 1604. In an example, if seed data is utilized, the seed data can be obtained from one or more historical data associated with channel state information and / or other information indicative of density of pilot signals. However, the disclosed embodiments are not limited to this implementation, and seed data is not necessary to facilitate training of the model 1604. Rather, the model 1604 can be trained according to received new data (e.g., via a feedback loop).

[0118] Data (e.g., seed data and / or new data, including feedback data) can be collected and optionally labeled with various metadata. For example, the data can be labeled with an indication of a communication protocol used for communication or other data such as an identification of a respective device providing one or more signals, a time of receiving one or more signals, content of one or more signals, and the like.

[0119] With reference to the flowcharts provided herein, the methods that can be implemented according to the disclosed subject matter will be better understood. While, for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the methods are shown and described as a series of flows and / or blocks, it is to be understood and appreciated that the various aspects disclosed can be implemented by software, hardware, a combination of hardware and software, or any other suitable means (e.g., devices, systems, processes, components, etc.) and that the disclosed methods can be implemented by a computerized device of the disclosed subject matter, such as a device of the disclosed subject matter. Furthermore, not all illustrated flows and / or blocks can be required to implement the disclosed methods. It is to be understood and appreciated that functions associated with the flows and / or blocks can be implemented by software, hardware, a combination of hardware and software, or any other suitable means (e.g., devices, systems, processes, components, etc.). Additionally, it should be appreciated that the disclosed methods might be stored on an article of manufacture to facilitate transporting and transferring such methods to various devices. Those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate the methods can alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states or events, such as in a state diagram.

[0120] As used herein, the terms “storage device,” “first storage device,” “second storage device,” “storage cluster node,” “storage system,” and the like (e.g., node devices) can include, for example, private or public cloud computing systems for storing data and systems for storing data, including virtual infrastructure and systems that do not include virtual infrastructure. The term “I / O request” (or simply “I / O”) can refer to a request to read and / or write data.

[0121] The term "cloud" as used herein can refer to, for example, a cluster of nodes (e.g., a collection of web servers) within an object storage system that are communicatively and / or operatively coupled to one another and host a set of applications for servicing user requests. Generally, cloud computing resources can communicate with user devices via most wired and / or wireless communication networks to provide access to services that are cloud-based and not stored locally (e.g., on the user device). A typical cloud computing environment can include multiple tiers that are aggregated together that interact with one another to provide resources for end users.

[0122] Further, the term "storage device" can refer to any non-volatile memory (NVM) device, including hard disk drives (HDDs), flash memory devices (e.g., NAND flash devices), and next generation NVM devices, any of which can be accessed locally and / or remotely (e.g., via a storage area network (SAN)). In some embodiments, the term "storage device" can also refer to a storage array that includes one or more storage devices. In various embodiments, the term "object" refers to a set of user data of arbitrary size that can be stored across one or more storage devices and accessed using I / O requests.

[0123] Further, a storage cluster can include one or more storage devices. For example, a storage system can include one or more clients that communicate with a storage cluster via a network. The network can include various types of communication networks or combinations thereof, including but not limited to networks that use protocols such as Ethernet, Internet Small Computer System Interface (iSCSI), Fibre Channel (FC), and / or wireless protocols. The clients can include user applications, application servers, data management tools, and / or test systems.

[0124] As used herein, "entity," "client," "user," and / or "application" can refer to any system or person that can send I / O requests to a storage system. For example, an entity can be one or more computers, the Internet, one or more systems, one or more business enterprises, one or more computers, one or more computer programs, one or more machines, machinery, one or more actors, one or more users, one or more customers, one or more humans, etc., which are hereinafter referred to as one or more entities, depending on the context.

[0125] To provide a context for various aspects of the disclosed subject matter, Figure 17 and the following discussion is intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitable environment in which various aspects of the disclosed subject matter can be implemented.

[0126] Reference is made to Figure 17The example environment 1710 for implementing various aspects of the aforementioned subject matter includes a computer 1712. The computer 1712 includes a processing unit 1714, a system memory 1716, and a system bus 1718. The system bus 1718 couples system components including, but not limited to, the system memory 1716 to the processing unit 1714. The processing unit 1714 can be any of various available processors. Dual microprocessors and other multiprocessor architectures also can be employed as the processing unit 1714.

[0127] The system bus 1718 can be any of various types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus or external bus, and / or a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures including, but not limited to, Industrial Standard Architecture (ISA), Micro Channel Architecture (MSA), Extended ISA (EISA), Intelligent Drive Electronics (IDE), VESA Local Bus (VLB), Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI), Universal Serial Bus (USB), Advanced Graphics Port (AGP), Personal Computer Memory Card International Association bus (PCMCIA), and Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI).

[0128] The system memory 1716 includes volatile memory 1720 and nonvolatile memory 1722. The basic input / output system (BIOS), containing the basic routines to transfer information between elements within the computer 1712, such as during start-up, is stored in nonvolatile memory 1722. By way of illustration, and not limitation, nonvolatile memory 1722 can include read only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory 1720 includes random access memory (RAM), which acts as external cache memory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available in many forms such as synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM).

[0129] Computer 1712 also includes removable / non-removable, volatile / non-volatile computer storage media. Figure 17A disk storage device 1724 is shown, for example. The disk storage device 1724 includes, but is not limited to, devices such as a magnetic disk drive, a soft disk drive, a tape drive, a Jaz drive, a Zip drive, an LS-100 drive, a flash memory card, or a

[0130] It will be appreciated that, Figure 17 Software is described that acts as an intermediary between users and the basic computer resources described in the suitable operating environment 1710. Such software includes an operating system 1728. The operating system 1728, which can be stored on disk storage 1724, acts to control and allocate resources of the computer 1712. System applications 1730 take advantage of the management of the resources by the operating system 1728 and provide coordinated and scheduled performance of tasks by the

[0131] A user enters commands or information into the computer 1712 through input device(s) 1736. Input devices 1736 include, but are not limited to, a pointing device such as a mouse, trackball, stylus, touchpad, keyboard, microphone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, TV tuner card, digital camera, digital video camera, web camera, and the like. These and other input devices continue to evolve and can include a variety of devices that are not yet available. Input devices 1736 are often connected to the computer 1712 by a wire or cable, wireless connectivity, or a combination of the two. Input devices 1736 can be directly or indirectly connected to the system bus 1718 via the input device interface 1738. viaInterface port(s) 1738 allow the system to be logically connected to other devices in a network, such as the Internet. For example, interface port(s) 1738 include a modem and / or a network interface card to provide a data communication connection to other means of communicating or devices. Wireless links can also be implemented. In a networked environment, communication connection 1750 is implemented in the operating logic to provide a communication link between the computing device 1712 and a network or to other devices on the same network. For example, communication connection 1750 can be a

[0132] The computer 1712 can operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 1744. The remote computer(s) 1744 can be a personal computer, a server, a router, a network PC, a workstation, a microprocessor-based appliance, a peer device or other common network node and the like, and typically includes many or all of the elements described relative to the computer 1712. For purposes of brevity, only a memory storage device 1746 is illustrated with the remote computer(s) 1744. The remote computer(s) 1744 is logically connected to the computer 1712 through a network interface 1748 and then via The communication connection 1750 is a physical connection. The network interface 1748 encompasses communication networks such as local area networks (LAN) and wide area networks (WAN). LAN technologies include Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), Copper Distributed Data Interface (CDDI), Ethernet / IEEE 802.3, Token Bus / IEEE 802.5, and the like. WAN technologies include, but are not limited to, point-to-point links, circuit-switching networks like Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDN) and variations thereon, packet-switching networks, and Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL).

[0133] The communication connection(s) 1750 refers to the hardware / software employed to connect the network interface 1748 to the system bus 1718. While communication connection 1750 is shown for illustrative clarity inside computer 1712, it can also be external to computer 1712. The hardware / software necessary for connection to the network interface 1748 includes, for exemplary purposes only, internal and external technologies such as modems including regular telephone grade modems, cable modems, and DSL modems, ISDN adapters, and Ethernet cards.

[0134] Figure 18 is a schematic block diagram of a sample computing environment 1800 in which the subject matter disclosed herein can interact. The sample computing environment 1800 includes one or more clients 1802. The client(s) 1802 can be hardware and / or software (e.g., threads, processes, computing devices). The sample computing environment 1800 also includes one or more servers 1804. The server(s) 1804 can also be hardware and / or software (e.g., threads, processes, computing devices). The servers 1804 can house threads to perform transformations described herein, for example, as a result of being implemented in one or more embodiments. One possible communication between a client 1802 and a server 1804 can be in the form of a data packet adapted to be transmitted between two or more computer processes. The sample computing environment 1800 includes a communication framework 1806 that can be employed to facilitate communications between the client(s) 1802 and the server(s) 1804. The client(s) 1802 are operably connected to one or more client data store(s) 1808 that can be employed to store information local to the client(s) 1802. Similarly, the server(s) 1804 are operably connected to one or more server data store(s) 1810 that can be employed to store information local to the servers 1804.

[0135] Throughout this specification, reference has been made to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment." Such references mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic being described will be included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" or "in some embodiments" or "in other embodiments" or "in one aspect" or "in another aspect" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0136] As used in this disclosure, in some embodiments, the terms "component," "system," "interface," "manager," and the like are intended to refer to or include a computer-related entity or an entity related to an operational apparatus with one or more specific functionalities, wherein the entity can be either hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. As an example, a component can be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a computer-executable instruction, a program, and / or a computer. As an illustration and not a limitation, both an application running on a server and the server can be a component.

[0137] One or more components may reside within a process and / or execution thread, and components may reside on a single computer and / or be distributed across two or more computers. Furthermore, these components may execute from various computer-readable media on which various data structures are stored. These components may communicate via local and / or remote processes, such as based on signals having one or more data packets (e.g., data from a component that interacts with a local system, another component in a distributed system, and / or other systems across a network (such as the Internet)). As another example, a component may be a device having specific functionality provided by mechanical parts operated by an electric or electronic circuit system, operated by a software application or firmware application executed by one or more processors, wherein the processor may be internal or external to the device and may execute at least a portion of the software or firmware application. As yet another example, a component may be a device that provides specific functionality through electronic components without mechanical parts, the electronic components including a processor to execute software or firmware that at least partially endows the electronic components with functionality. In one aspect, components may emulate electronic components via virtual machines (e.g., within a cloud computing system). Although the various components have been shown as separate components, it will be understood that, without departing from the example embodiments, multiple components may be implemented as a single component, or a single component may be implemented as multiple components.

[0138] Furthermore, the terms “example” and “exemplary” are used herein to mean as an instance or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of the terms “example” or “exemplary” is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. As used in this application, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” In other words, unless otherwise specified, it is clear from the context that “X adopts A or B” is intended to mean any natural inclusive permutation. In other words, “X adopts A or B” is satisfied in any of the foregoing instances if X adopts A; X adopts B; or X adopts both A and B. Furthermore, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims should be generally interpreted as meaning “one or more”, unless otherwise specified or clearly understood from the context to refer to the singular form.

[0139] As used herein, when the term “set” (e.g., “carrier set”, “cell set”, etc.) is used, it means a non-zero set, “at least one”, or “one or more”. Similarly, when the term “subset” is used, it means a non-zero set, “at least one”, or “one or more”.

[0140] Furthermore, various embodiments can be implemented as a method, apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programming and / or engineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosed subject matter. The term "article of manufacture" as used herein is intended to encompass a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device, machine-readable device, computer-readable carrier, computer-readable medium, machine-readable medium, computer-readable (or machine-readable) storage / communication medium. For example, a computer readable storage medium can include, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, solid state drive (SSD) or other solid-state storage technology, a magnetic storage device, e.g., hard disk; a floppy disk; a magnetic strip; an optical disk (e.g., a compact disc (CD), a digital video disc (DVD), a Blu-ray Disc™ (BD)); a smart card; a flash memory device (e.g., a card, a stick, a key drive); and / or a virtual device emulating any of the above computer readable media. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications can be made to this configuration without departing from the scope or spirit of the various embodiments.

[0141] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, none of the disclosed embodiments and / or aspects should be construed as requiring that the other disclosed embodiments and / or aspects be excluded from the scope of the disclosure, and no device and / or structure should be construed as required to exclude elements depicted in one or more example embodiments of the disclosure. The scope of the disclosure is generally intended to encompass modifications to the depicted embodiments, where appropriate, with the addition of one or more features from other depicted embodiments; with the interoperation of features from among or between depicted embodiments; and with the addition of components from one embodiment within another depicted embodiment, or the subtraction of components from any depicted embodiment; where appropriate, the aggregation of elements (or embodiments) into a single device that implements aggregated functionality; or where appropriate, the distribution of functionality of a single device into multiple devices. Furthermore, devices or elements (e.g., components) depicted herein or modified as described above in combination, combination, or modification with devices, structures, or subsets thereof not expressly depicted herein but known in the art or apparent from the context of the disclosure to one of ordinary skill in the art are also considered within the scope of the disclosure.

[0142] The above description of illustrated embodiments of the subject disclosure, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the precise form of the disclosed subject matter to the precise embodiments described herein. While specific embodiments and examples are described in this disclosure, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant arts that various modifications to the embodiments and examples described in this disclosure can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosed subject matter.

[0143] In this regard, while the present subject matter has been described in connection with various embodiments and corresponding figures, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments can be used or modifications and additions can be made to the described embodiments for performing the same, similar, alternative, or substitute functions of the disclosed subject matter without deviating from the spirit of the disclosed subject matter. Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to any single embodiment, but rather should be given the full scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method comprising: spreading, by a network device comprising a processor, a set of demodulation reference signal (DM-RS) ports across consecutive physical resource blocks (PRBs) based on a DM-RS configuration determined for at least one user device and a defined density, wherein the spreading comprises: dividing the set of DM-RS ports into a first subset of DM-RS ports and at least a second subset of DM-RS ports, and assigning the first subset of DM-RS ports and the at least the second subset of DM-RS ports to respective PRBs in the consecutive PRBs.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the contiguous PRBs are contiguous in a frequency dimension, and wherein the extending comprises: distributing the first subset of DM-RS ports and the second subset of DM-RS ports across the consecutive PRBs in the frequency dimension.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the contiguous PRBs are contiguous in a time dimension, and wherein the extending comprises: distributing the first subset of DM-RS ports and the second subset of DM-RS ports across the consecutive PRBs in the time dimension.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the consecutive PRBs comprise a first PRB, a second PRB, a third PRB, and at least a fourth PRB, wherein a first group comprising the first PRB and the second PRB and a second group comprising the third PRB and the fourth PRB are consecutive in the frequency dimension, and wherein a third group comprising the first PRB and the third PRB and a fourth group comprising the second PRB and the fourth PRB are consecutive in the time dimension.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the extending comprises: distributing the first subset of DM-RS ports and the second subset of DM-RS ports across the consecutive PRBs in the frequency dimension and the time dimension.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the extending comprises: distributing the first subset of DM-RS ports and the second subset of DM-RS ports across the consecutive PRBs in a disjoint arrangement.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the extending comprises: distributing the first subset of DM-RS ports and the second subset of DM-RS ports across the consecutive PRBs in a non-disjoint arrangement.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: using, by the network device, three consecutive OFDM symbols in respective PRBs in the consecutive PRBs.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: using, by the network device, four consecutive OFDM symbols in respective PRBs in the consecutive PRBs.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the network device is configured to operate in accordance with a new radio network communication protocol.

11. A system comprising: a processor; and a memory storing executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, facilitate performance of operations comprising: dividing a set of pilot symbols into respective subsets of pilot symbols based on a defined demodulation reference signal (DM-RS) configuration for at least one user device; assigning the respective subsets of pilot symbols to respective physical resource blocks (PRBs) in a set of consecutive PRBs; and transmitting, to the at least one user device, the set of consecutive PRBs comprising pilot symbols and data symbols.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the set of consecutive PRBs are consecutive in a time dimension, a frequency dimension, or a combination thereof. ​ 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the assignment comprises: distributing the pilot symbols between the contiguous PRBs with a non-disjoint arrangement of pilot symbols.

14. The system of claim 11, wherein the assignment comprises: distributing the pilot symbols between the contiguous PRBs with a non-disjoint arrangement of pilot symbols.

15. The system of claim 11, wherein the operations further comprise: using a three-symbol configuration for the respective subset of the pilot symbols within the respective PRB.

16. The system of claim 11, wherein the operations further comprise: using a four-symbol configuration for the respective subset of the pilot symbols within the respective PRB.

17. The system of claim 11, configured to operate within a communication network employing extreme multiple-input multiple-output technology.

18. A non-transitory machine-readable medium comprising executable instructions that, when executed by a processor of a network device, facilitate performance of operations comprising: assigning a first set of demodulation reference signals (DM-RS) to respective first resource elements of a first physical resource block (PRB) based on a determined demodulation reference signal (DM-RS) configuration for at least one user device; and assigning a second set of DM-RS to respective second resource elements of a second PRB, wherein the first PRB and at least the second PRB are contiguous physical resource blocks.

19. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 18, wherein the first PRB and at least the second PRB are contiguous physical resource blocks in a time dimension, a frequency dimension, or both the time dimension and the frequency dimension.

20. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 18, wherein the assignment of the first set of DM-RS and the assignment of the second set of DM-RS comprise: using one of a three-symbol DM-RS configuration or a four-symbol DM-RS configuration.

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