Method and user equipment for wireless communication

Abstract

The present application can provide a method and a user equipment for wireless communication. The method comprises: performing, by a user equipment, initial access in a wireless network through a first radio frequency configuration, wherein the first radio frequency configuration has a first bandwidth and a first center frequency within a continuous bandwidth; receiving, via high layer signaling, a virtual carrier configuration for a serving cell with a corresponding radio frequency configuration; receiving a switching signaling to switch from the first radio frequency configuration to a second radio frequency configuration having a second bandwidth and a second center frequency, wherein the second bandwidth is different from the first bandwidth; and performing a radio frequency bandwidth adaptation from the first radio frequency configuration to the second radio frequency configuration based on the switching signaling. By using the present application, wireless communication can be better performed.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of a divisional application of an international application entering China. The original application was filed on January 11, 2018, with application number PCT / CN2018 / 072271, entitled "EFFICIENT WIDE BANDWIDTH OPERATION AND EFFICIENT UE-SPECIFIC RF BANDWIDTH ADAPTATION". The international application entering the national phase in China has application number 201880002284.4, entitled "Efficient Wide Bandwidth Operation and Efficient UE-Specific RF Bandwidth Adaptation". The first divisional application of the international application entering the national phase in China was filed on January 11, 2018, with application number 202310709723.8, entitled "Method and User Equipment for Wireless Communication". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to wireless communication, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for radio frequency (RF) bandwidth adaptation for efficient, wider bandwidth operation and efficient user equipment (UE). Background Technology

[0003] Mobile network communications continue to grow rapidly. Mobile data usage will continue to soar. New data applications and services will require higher speeds and greater efficiency. The demand for large data bandwidth continues to attract more consumers. New technologies need to be developed to meet this growth, such as Carrier Aggregation (CA), which enables operators, providers, content providers, and other mobile users to meet the ever-increasing demand for data bandwidth. However, even for physically contiguous spectrum, CA assumes multiple RF chains for signal reception, which increases the transition time from one carrier to more carriers for greater data bandwidth, reducing data transmission efficiency.

[0004] In frequency bands above 3 GHz, there may be physically contiguous spectrum blocks of up to several hundred MHz. Single-carrier operation for such large contiguous spectrums is more efficient in both physical (PHY) control and PHY data, with lower control signaling overhead in PHY control and higher trunking gain in PHY data. Therefore, it is preferable to allocate large contiguous spectrum for large data transmissions rather than multiple small spectrum resources. However, from a system perspective, not all UEs require large channel bandwidth. Furthermore, not all applications require large channel bandwidth for each UE. Considering the higher power consumption required for wideband operation, large spectrum resources used for control signaling monitoring and low data rate services are not ideal for power savings and bandwidth efficiency.

[0005] In the third-generation partnership program (3 rd In the Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Radio Access Network (RAN) 1, the fifth generation (5G) th Generation (5G) base stations (BS) should be able to support UE operation using a single wideband carrier, as well as simultaneous operation of the UE using intra-band CA on the same continuous spectrum. 3GPP also agrees to support UE RF bandwidth adaptation for single-carrier operation. How to support UE operation using a single wideband carrier, and UE operation simultaneously using intra-band CA on the same continuous spectrum, requires new design.

[0006] Improvements and enhancements are needed to facilitate 5G BS support for UEs to operate using a single wideband carrier, as well as for UEs to operate simultaneously using in-band CA on the same continuous spectrum, and to facilitate UE RF bandwidth adaptation in single-carrier operation. Summary of the Invention

[0007] A method for wireless communication includes: a user equipment performing initial access in a wireless network via a first radio frequency configuration, wherein the first radio frequency configuration has a first bandwidth and a first center frequency within a continuous bandwidth; receiving a virtual carrier configuration for a serving cell via higher-layer signaling using a corresponding radio frequency configuration; receiving transition signaling to transition from the first radio frequency configuration to a second radio frequency configuration having a second bandwidth and a second center frequency, wherein the second bandwidth is different from the first bandwidth; and performing radio frequency bandwidth adaptation from the first radio frequency configuration to the second radio frequency configuration based on the transition signaling.

[0008] By utilizing this invention, wireless communication can be improved.

[0009] Other embodiments and advantages will be described in the detailed description below. This invention is not intended to be defined. The invention is defined by the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention, wherein similar numbers indicate similar components.

[0011] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a wireless network with multiple SS anchors configured in a continuous bandwidth carrier is illustrated according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2A An exemplary schematic diagram of a multi-anchor-point structure having primary and secondary SS anchor points is illustrated according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the primary and secondary SS anchor points comprise SS.

[0013] Figure 2B An exemplary schematic diagram of a multi-anchor-point structure having a primary SS anchor point and a secondary SS anchor point is illustrated according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the primary SS anchor point includes both PSS and SSS, and the secondary SS anchor point includes only the SSS signal.

[0014] Figure 2C An exemplary schematic diagram of a multi-anchor-point structure having a primary SS anchor point and a secondary SS anchor point according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the primary SS anchor point includes a PSS and an SSS (SS1) with a first correlation timing, and the secondary SS anchor point includes a PSS and an SSS (SS2) signal with a second correlation timing.

[0015] Figure 3A An exemplary schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a primary SS anchor point plus one or more secondary SS anchor points within a block of contiguous spectrum using single-carrier operation according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0016] Figure 3B An exemplary schematic diagram illustrating the use of single-carrier operation to configure multiple primary SS anchors plus one or more secondary SS anchors within a continuous spectrum block according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 4 An exemplary schematic diagram illustrating single-carrier operation using CVC and Dedicated Virtual Carrier (DVC) according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0018] Figure 5 An exemplary schematic diagram illustrating bandwidth adaptation according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0019] Figure 6Exemplary schematic diagrams illustrating different scenarios for bandwidth adaptation according to embodiments of the present invention are provided.

[0020] Figure 7 An exemplary schematic diagram illustrating the UE bandwidth adaptation process according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0021] Figure 8 An exemplary flowchart illustrating the operation of a UE using a multi-anchor structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0022] Figure 9 An exemplary flowchart illustrating the bandwidth adaptation performed by a UE according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0023] Figure 10 An exemplary flowchart for downlink (DL) radio resource management (RRM) according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to some embodiments thereof, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Figure 1 A system schematic diagram of a wireless network 100 configured with multiple SS anchors in a continuous bandwidth carrier according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The wireless network 100 includes one or more wireless networks, each of which has fixed infrastructure units, such as receiving wireless communication devices or base units 102, 103, and 104, forming a wireless network distributed over a geographical area. The base unit may also be referred to as an access point, access terminal, BS, Node B (NB), Evolved NB (eNB), gNB, or other terms used in the art. Each base unit in base units 102, 103, and 104 serves a geographical area. Backhaul connections 113, 114, and 115 connect to non-co-located receiving base units, such as 102, 103, and 104. These backhaul connections may be ideal or non-ideal.

[0026] In wireless network 100, UE 101 is served by BS 102 via uplink (UL) 111 and DL 112. Other UEs 105, 106, 107, and 108 are served by different BSs. UEs 105 and 106 are served by BS 102, UE 107 by BS 104, and UE 108 by BS 103.

[0027] In one embodiment, the wireless network 100 operates using a large, continuous radio spectrum. When the UE 101 accesses the wireless communication network 100, it uses the primary SS anchor point to obtain synchronization and system information. The UE 101 then obtains the SS anchor point configuration. The UE 101 performs bandwidth adaptation based on the SS anchor point configuration.

[0028] Figure 1 Simplified block diagrams of UE 101 and BS 102 according to the present invention are also shown.

[0029] BS 102 has an antenna 126 that transmits and receives radio signals. An RF transceiver module 123 is coupled to the antenna, receives RF signals from the antenna 126, converts the RF signals into baseband signals, and sends the baseband signals to the processor 122. The RF transceiver 123 also converts baseband signals received from the processor 122 into RF signals and sends the RF signals back to the antenna 126. The processor 122 processes the received baseband signals and invokes different functional modules to execute features within BS 102. Memory 121 stores program instructions and data 124 to control the operation of BS 102. BS 102 also includes a set of control modules, such as a broadband manager 181, for configuring SS anchors, virtual carriers (VCs), and communicating with the UE to implement broadband operation.

[0030] UE 101 has an antenna 135 for transmitting and receiving radio signals. An RF transceiver module 134 is coupled to the antenna, receives RF signals from the antenna 135, converts the RF signals into baseband signals, and transmits the baseband signals to the processor 132. The RF transceiver module 134 also converts the baseband signals received from the processor 132 into RF signals and transmits the RF signals back to the antenna 135. The processor 132 processes the received baseband signals and calls different functional modules to execute features in UE 101. Memory 131 stores program instructions and data 136 to control the operation of UE 101.

[0031] UE 101 also includes a set of control modules that perform functional tasks. Configurator 191 configures multiple SS anchors within a contiguous spectrum block in the wireless network, where each SS anchor is either a primary or secondary SS anchor. Initial Access Manager 192 performs initial access by probing the first primary SS anchor within the contiguous spectrum block. VC Receiver 193 receives one or more VC configurations using the corresponding SS anchor within the contiguous spectrum block. DVC Manager 194 switches to a DVC containing a first secondary SS anchor and performs synchronization via the first secondary SS anchor. Bandwidth Adapter 195 performs initial access with a first RF configuration having a first bandwidth and a first center frequency, receives switching signaling to switch from the first RF configuration to a second RF configuration having a second bandwidth and a second center frequency (where the second bandwidth is different from the first bandwidth), and performs RF bandwidth adaptation from the first RF configuration to the second RF configuration based on the switching signaling. Idle-mode Manager 196 monitors paging messages in UE idle mode using a third RF band having a third bandwidth and a third center frequency, where the third RF bandwidth is less than at least one of the first and second bandwidths.

[0032] Wider bandwidth operation using multi-anchor structure

[0033] In one novel aspect, multiple SS anchor points can be configured for a continuous RF band. Each SS anchor point can be configured as a primary SS anchor point or a secondary SS anchor point. One or more CVCs and one or more DVCs can be configured. There are different ways to configure SS anchor points. Figure 2A , 2B Examples 2C illustrate different implementations of SS anchor point configurations.

[0034] Figure 2AAn exemplary schematic diagram of a multi-anchor structure with primary and secondary SS anchors according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the primary and secondary SS anchors comprise SS. Multiple SS anchors can be configured by a wireless network with a wide bandwidth X. In one embodiment, the bandwidth X is 100 MHz. Other networks can be configured with different bandwidths. A CVC with a bandwidth Y can be configured. In one embodiment, the bandwidth Y is 20 MHz, where the SS occupies 10 MHz of bandwidth. Multiple primary SS anchors 231, 232, and 233, and multiple secondary SS anchors 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, and 246 can be configured. In one embodiment, UEs 201, 202, and 203 operate in single-carrier mode 210. UEs 204, 205, and 206 operate in multi-carrier mode 220. In single-carrier mode, the UEs can be configured with different CVCs and / or DVCs. In multi-carrier mode, the UE can also be configured with a primary cell (PCell) and a secondary cell (SCell). UE 201 can be configured with DVC 214 in single-carrier mode. UE 202 can be configured with CVC 212 and DVC 211 in single-carrier mode. UE 203 can be configured with CVC 213 in single-carrier mode. UE 204 can be configured with PCell 221 in multi-carrier mode. UE 205 can be configured with PCell 222 and SCell 224 in multi-carrier mode. UE 206 can be configured with PCell 223 and SCell 225 in multi-carrier mode. A CVC should contain at least one primary DL SS anchor point. A DVC should contain at least one secondary DL SS anchor point. In one embodiment, one or more DL primary SS anchors include SS 251 and a physical channel carrying minimum system information for the Random Access Channel (RACH), wherein the minimum system information includes a Master Information Block (MIB) and a compact System Information Block (SIB) 261, as well as a Reference Signal (RS) and / or a fine SS 271 for DL ​​RRM. One or more DL secondary SS anchors include SS 251. The UE accesses the network through the primary SS anchor. When the UE switches to DVC, it performs synchronization through the secondary SS anchors.

[0035] When a UE performs initial access, it needs to find the primary SS anchor point. Different configurations can be used to facilitate the process of locating the primary SS anchor point.

[0036] Figure 2BAn exemplary schematic diagram of a multi-anchor-point structure having a primary SS anchor point and a secondary SS anchor point according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the primary SS anchor point includes both PSS and SSS, and the secondary SS anchor point includes only the SSS signal. Figure 2A Similarly, multiple primary and secondary SS anchors are configured. In one embodiment, SS 252 may be included, where SS 252 contains both PSS and SSS. However, the secondary SS anchor only contains SSS 282. When searching for the primary SS anchor, the UE will skip the secondary SS anchor because the secondary SS anchor cannot detect the PSS. The above configuration facilitates the UE in locating the primary SS anchor. In one embodiment, the primary SS anchor may also include a physical channel carrying minimal system information for RACH.

[0037] Figure 2C An exemplary schematic diagram of a multi-anchor-point structure having a primary SS anchor point and a secondary SS anchor point according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the primary SS anchor point includes PSS and SSS (SS1) with a first correlation timing, and the secondary SS anchor point includes PSS and SSS (SS2) signals with a second correlation timing. Figure 2B Similarly, different SSs can be used for secondary SS anchors. The DL primary SS anchor contains a PSS and an SSS (SS1) 253 with a first correlation timing, where the PSS is in the first symbol, followed by the SSS and a physical channel carrying minimal system information for RACH. The DL secondary SS anchor contains a PSS and an SSS (SS2) with a second correlation timing, where the SSS is in the first symbol, followed by the PSS. When the UE probes a secondary SS anchor, because the PSS and SSS are in the second correlation timing, the UE cannot use the secondary SS anchor as an SS and will therefore skip the secondary SS anchor. The above configuration can also facilitate the UE's location of the primary SS anchor.

[0038] CVCs and DVCs with primary and secondary SS anchors can have different configurations. Different implementations are provided to locate SSs in different configurations.

[0039] Figure 3AAn exemplary schematic diagram illustrating the use of single-carrier operation to configure a primary SS anchor point plus one or more secondary SS anchor points within a continuous spectrum block according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided. In one embodiment, the SSs in all SS anchor points share the same code sequence. The UE uses the detected SSs to access the CVC and DVC. In another embodiment, the SSs in all SS anchor points use different code sequences from each other. Utilizing different code sequences, if the UE uses a single RF chain to receive signals across the entire continuous spectrum block, higher Automatic Gain Control (AGC) efficiency will result due to a lower Peak-to-Average Power Ratio (PAPR). Furthermore, the Long Term Evolution (LTE) CA mechanism can be reused to the maximum extent to support CA on the continuous spectrum block. The network may be configured with a single primary SS anchor point 310, including primary SS anchor point 321, secondary SS anchor points 311, 312, and 313. The CVC 331 for UE 301 may be configured with primary SS anchor point 321 and secondary SS anchor point 311. CVC 334 for UE 302 may be configured with a primary SS anchor point 321. If a CVC for a UE (such as UE 301) contains multiple SS anchor points, UE 301 assumes the SS sequence in the primary SS anchor point 321 as the physical cell identifier for the CVC. In one embodiment, the locations of other SS anchor points should be notified to the UE via Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer signaling or Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) for coding chain rate matching in the data channel. DVC 341 for UE 301 may be configured with a primary SS anchor point 321 and secondary SS anchor points 311 and 312. DVC 345 for UE 302 may be configured with secondary SS anchor points 312 and 313. If the DVC used for the UE contains multiple SS anchors, the UE should assume the SS sequence in a secondary SS anchor as the physical cell identifier for the DVC, wherein the secondary SS anchor is configured by the network via RRC layer signaling or MAC CE. In one embodiment, the locations of other SS anchors should be notified to the UE via RRC layer signaling or MAC CE for coding chain rate matching in the data channel.

[0040] Figure 3BAn exemplary schematic diagram illustrating the use of single-carrier operation to configure multiple primary SS anchors plus one or more secondary SS anchors within a contiguous spectrum block according to embodiments of the present invention is provided. In one embodiment, the SSs in all SS anchors share the same code sequence. The UE uses the detected SSs to access the CVC and DVC. In another embodiment, the SSs in all SS anchors use different code sequences from each other. Utilizing different code sequences, if the UE uses a single RF chain to receive signals across the entire contiguous spectrum block, higher AGC efficiency will result due to lower PAPR. Furthermore, the LTE CA mechanism can be reused to the maximum extent to support CA on the contiguous spectrum block. The network may be configured with multiple primary SS anchors 320, including primary SS anchors 321 and 322, and secondary SS anchors 311, 312, and 313. CVC 351 for UE 301 may be configured with primary SS anchors 321 and 322 and secondary SS anchors 311 and 312. CVC 352 for UE 302 may be configured with primary SS anchors 321 and 322. If a CVC for a UE (such as UE 301) contains multiple SS anchors, UE 301 assumes the SS sequence in primary SS anchor 321 as the physical cell identifier for the CVC. In one embodiment, the locations of other SS anchors should be notified to the UE via RRC layer signaling or MAC CE for coding chain rate matching in the data channel. A DVC 361 for UE 301 may be configured with primary SS anchor 322 and secondary SS anchors 311 and 312. A DVC 362 for UE 302 may be configured with secondary SS anchors 311, 312, and 313. If a DVC for a UE contains multiple SS anchors, the UE should assume the SS sequence in one secondary SS anchor as the physical cell identifier for the DVC, wherein the secondary SS anchor is configured by the network via RRC layer signaling or MAC CE. In one embodiment, the locations of other SS anchors should be notified to the UE via RRC layer signaling or MAC CE for coding chain rate matching in the data channel.

[0041] Figure 4 An exemplary schematic diagram illustrating single-carrier operation using CVC and DVC according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The UE may be configured with DL CVC, DL DVC, UL CVC, and UL DVC. DL configuration 401 includes DL CVC 411 and DL DVC 412. UL configuration 402 includes UL CVC 421 and UL DVC 422.

[0042] In one embodiment, the DL CVC includes at least one primary SS anchor point. The UE can perform initial access or network entry and operate on the network in connected mode 432, inactive mode 431, and idle mode 433. The DL CVC 411 includes physical signals / channels supporting data services. Furthermore, the DL CVC 411 may include a primary DL SS anchor point and RS, fine synchronization signals, or both for DL ​​RRM measurements. The UE obtains the channel bandwidth of the DL CVC through system information broadcasting / group-broadcasting, making the DL CVC common to all UEs receiving system information. In one embodiment, the channel bandwidth of the DL CVC can be broadcast in minimal system information carried on the Physical Broadcasting Channel (PBCH). In another embodiment, the channel bandwidth of the DL CVC can be broadcast in minimal system information carried on the Physical Shared Channel (PSCH). The DL CVC 411CVC supports both public / group-public search spaces and UE-specific search spaces. The UE can perform handover from the serving cell's DL CVC to the target cell's DL CVC. The UE also monitors paging messages on the UE in idle mode. If minimal data service is allowed in inactive mode, the UE also monitors DL / UL data scheduling on the UE in inactive mode.

[0043] In one embodiment, DL DVC 412 includes at least one secondary SS anchor point. After network login, the UE can operate in connection mode 432 only on DL DVC 412. DL DVC 412 includes physical signals / channels supporting data services. In one embodiment, DL DVC 412 also includes RS for DL ​​RRM measurements. The UE obtains the channel bandwidth of the DL DVC via RRC layer signaling or MAC CE, therefore the DL DVC can be UE-specific. DL DVC 412 supports at least a UE-specific search space, but can be configured to support a common search space. The configuration for supporting a common search space can be done by RRC layer signaling or MAC CE. For a UE with both an active DL CVC and an active DL DVC, a common search space is not configured in the DL DVC. For a UE with only an active DL DVC, a common search space is configured in one of the active DL DVCs. System information is not periodically broadcast to the UE via DL DVC. However, when at least one UE connected to the network via DL DVC sends a system information broadcast request to the network, the system information can be broadcast to the UE via DL DVC that supports a common search space. When the system information is updated, the network can unicast the updated portion of the system information to the UE via one of the active DL DVCs 412. The UE can perform a handover from the DL DVC of the serving cell to the DL CVC of the target cell.

[0044] UL CVC 421 can be used by the UE to perform network login and operate in connected mode 432, inactive mode 431, and idle mode 433. UL CVC 421 includes physical signals / channels supporting data services. In one embodiment, UL CVC 421 also includes a UL Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) for network login, a contention-based scheduling request, and a UL timing advance maintenance procedure. UL CVC 421 also includes a UL physical-layer control channel for UL feedback. The UE obtains the channel bandwidth of UL CVC 421 through system information broadcast / multicast, making the UL CVC common to all UEs receiving system information. In one embodiment, the channel bandwidth of the UL CVC can be broadcast in the minimum system information, which is carried in the minimum system information PBCH. In another embodiment, the channel bandwidth of ULCVC 421 can be broadcast in the minimum system information, which is carried in the minimum system information PSCH. In one embodiment, the association between DL CVC 411 and UL CVC 421 is broadcast in the system information. The UE can perform a handover from the UL CVC 421 of the serving cell to the UL CVC of the target cell.

[0045] UL DVC 422 can be used only by a UE in connected mode 432 after network login. UL DVC 422 contains physical signals / channels supporting data services. In one embodiment, UL DVC 422 also includes a UL physical layer control channel for UL feedback. UL DVC 422 can be configured by RRC layer signaling, MAC CE, UL PRACH for network login, contention-based scheduling requests, or UL timing advance maintenance procedures. For a UE with both an active UL CVC and an active UL DVC, UL PRACH is not configured in the UL DVC. For a UE with only an active UL DVC, UL PRACH is configured in one of the active UL DVCs. The UE obtains the channel bandwidth of the UL DVC via RRC layer signaling or MAC CE, therefore the UL DVC can be UE-specific. The association between DL DVC 412 and UL DVC 422 is configured by RRC layer signaling or MAC CE. The UE can perform a handover from the UL DVC of the serving cell to the UL CVC of the target cell.

[0046] Highly efficient UE-specific RF bandwidth adaptation

[0047] When the network is configured with wide, continuous bandwidth, the UE can perform bandwidth adaptation. In a novel aspect, the UE performs initial access to the network using a first RF configuration. The UE then performs bandwidth adaptation and switches to a wideband data pipe with a second RF configuration. In one embodiment, once data transmission is complete, the UE performs bandwidth adaptation in idle mode to switch to a third RF configuration.

[0048] Figure 5 An exemplary schematic diagram illustrating bandwidth adaptation according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The UE performs initial access 511 using a first RF configuration having a first center frequency and a first bandwidth. In one embodiment, the first bandwidth is less than the configured available bandwidth. Power consumption is low during the initial access period 501. After initial access, the UE subsequently begins data transmission. In step 512, the UE performs bandwidth adaptation by performing wideband data channel activation. The UE switches to a second RF configuration having a second center frequency and a second bandwidth. The second bandwidth is different from the first bandwidth. The first center frequency and the second center frequency can be the same or different. Because the second bandwidth is wider, power consumption is high during period 502. Once data transmission is complete, the UE performs another bandwidth adaptation 513 by performing wideband data channel deactivation. The UE then switches to a third RF configuration having a third center frequency and a third bandwidth. The third bandwidth is less than the second bandwidth. The third bandwidth can be equal to, less than, or greater than the first bandwidth. The UE maintains the third RF configuration during period 503, which has lower power consumption.

[0049] Figure 6 Exemplary schematic diagrams illustrating different scenarios for bandwidth adaptation according to embodiments of the present invention are provided. Bandwidth adaptation involves switching from a smaller bandwidth to a larger bandwidth and vice versa. The UE operates using a first RF configuration 601 having a center frequency 603. After a transmission period 605, the UE performs bandwidth adaptation and switches to an RF configuration 602 having a center frequency 604. RF configuration 601 has a smaller bandwidth than RF configuration 602. In one embodiment 610, RF configurations 601 and RF configurations 602 have the same center frequency. In another embodiment 620, RF configurations 601 and RF configurations 602 have different center frequencies. RF configurations 601 and RF configurations 602 completely overlap. In another embodiment 630, RF configurations 601 and RF configurations 602 have different center frequencies. RF configurations 601 and RF configurations 602 partially overlap. In yet another embodiment 640, RF configurations 601 and RF configurations 602 have different center frequencies. RF configurations 601 and RF configurations 602 do not overlap.

[0050] In different scenarios, bandwidth adaptation can switch from a larger bandwidth to a smaller bandwidth. The UE operates using a first RF configuration 606 with a center frequency 608. After transmission period 615, the UE performs bandwidth adaptation and switches to an RF configuration 607 with a center frequency 609. RF configuration 606 has a larger bandwidth than RF configuration 607. In one embodiment 650, RF configurations 606 and RF configurations 607 have the same center frequency. In another embodiment 660, RF configurations 606 and RF configurations 607 have different center frequencies. RF configurations 606 and RF configurations 607 completely overlap. In another embodiment 670, RF configurations 606 and RF configurations 607 have different center frequencies. RF configurations 606 and RF configurations 607 partially overlap. In yet another embodiment 680, RF configurations 606 and RF configurations 607 have different center frequencies. RF configurations 606 and RF configurations 607 do not overlap.

[0051] In one embodiment, the UE supports UE-specific RF bandwidth adaptation from a first UE RF bandwidth to a second UE RF bandwidth, wherein the first UE RF bandwidth differs from the second UE RF bandwidth, and their center frequencies may be different. In one embodiment, the UE supports bandwidth adaptation in connected mode, inactive mode, and idle mode. In another embodiment, the UE only supports bandwidth adaptation in connected mode and inactive mode, and does not support bandwidth adaptation in idle mode. In yet another embodiment, the UE only supports bandwidth adaptation in connected mode, and does not support bandwidth adaptation in inactive mode and idle mode.

[0052] Figure 7An exemplary schematic diagram illustrating UE bandwidth adaptation processing according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. UE 701 and gNB 702 are in a wireless network. In step 711, UE 701 performs initial access with gNB 702. In one embodiment, UE 701 performs initial access via CVC by probing the primary SS anchor point. Once connected to gNB 702, UE 701 receives VC configuration 713 via RRC signaling and receives bandwidth adaptation signaling in step 712. The bandwidth adaptation signaling is used to indicate to the UE that a VC is active. In one embodiment, the bandwidth adaptation signaling can be sent by MAC CE or physical layer signaling. Physical layer signaling has the advantage of shorter bandwidth adaptation transition time and less impact on UE throughput. In one embodiment, the bandwidth adaptation signaling is dedicated signaling. Dedicated signaling has the advantage of flexibility and can be performed at any time without being bundled with DL / UL data scheduling. Dedicated signaling can be broadcast or group-multicast signaling for multiple UEs, or unicast signaling for a single UE. For broadcast / group-multicast signaling, UE group identifiers (IDs) (such as Radio Network Temporary Identifiers (RNTIs) for a group of UEs) can be used to aggregate signaling content for multiple UEs into a single physical layer signaling (such as Downlink Control Information (DCI)) for probing. In one embodiment, the signaling content for each UE can be identified via an embedded shortened UE ID. In another embodiment, by employing channel coding gain, aggregated bandwidth adaptation signaling for multiple UEs can improve reliability with the same signaling overhead as non-aggregated bandwidth adaptation signaling, or reduce signaling overhead with the same reliability as non-aggregated bandwidth adaptation signaling. In yet another embodiment, the bandwidth adaptation signaling is embedded in the DL / UL scheduler. The adaptation process is applicable to single-carrier operation and intra-band and inter-band CA.

[0053] The bandwidth adaptation signaling in step 712 includes at least one piece of information, which includes: a VC configuration index, the bandwidth and center frequency location of the target VC, the DL transmit power spectral density (PSD) of the target VC, a UL power control command for UL transmit power adjustment on the target VC, triggering of DL aperiodic RS transmission for Channel State Information (CSI) measurement / reporting, and triggering of UL Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) transmission for CSI measurement / reporting. In one embodiment, the DL PSD is an offset value relative to the current VC. In another embodiment, the DL PSD is the absolute value of the PSD. In one embodiment, the UE utilizes the signaled DL transmit PSD of the target VC to accelerate its AGC stabilization. In one embodiment, the power adjustment is an offset value relative to the current VC. In another embodiment, the power adjustment is an absolute value.

[0054] In one embodiment, the bandwidth adaptation signaling includes triggering CSI measurement / reporting on the DL aperiodic RS. In step 721, UE 701 performs CSI measurement / reporting on the DL aperiodic RS. In one embodiment, UE 701 uses aperiodic DL CSI-RS transmission for time / frequency synchronization. In another embodiment, gNB 702 uses the triggered CSI report for DL ​​data scheduling.

[0055] In another embodiment, the bandwidth adaptation signaling includes UL SRS. In step 722, UE 701 performs an SRS transmission for CSI measurement / reporting by gNB 702. In one embodiment, gNB 702 uses the triggered UL SRS transmission for AGC stabilization and UL data scheduling.

[0056] In one embodiment, UE 701 receives VC configuration signaling in step 713. The VC configuration signaling includes at least one of the following: a VC configuration index, the bandwidth and center frequency location of the target VC, the DL PSD of the target VC, and a UL power control command for performing UL transmit power adjustment on the target VC. In one embodiment, the DL PSD is an offset value relative to the current VC. In another embodiment, the DL PSD is an absolute value of the PSD. In one embodiment, in step 723, the UE utilizes the signaled DL transmit PSD of the target VC to accelerate its AGC stabilization. In one embodiment, the power adjustment is an offset value relative to the current VC. In another embodiment, the power adjustment is an absolute value.

[0057] In one embodiment, a DL transfer PSD offset ΔS between the target VC and the current VC can be provided. tx, after UE 701 estimates its initial AGC level based on the received numerical values. In one embodiment, the AGC level is equal to the interference power estimation measured on OFDM symbols that do not contain a common RS, plus the estimated S rx, before Add the estimated path loss multiplied by ΔS tx, after The result. In another embodiment, the AGC level is equal to the historical estimate of the interference power plus the estimated S. rx, before Add the estimated path loss multiplied by ΔS tx, after The result.

[0058] In yet another embodiment, a DL transfer PSD S of the target VC can be provided. tx, after UE 701 estimates its initial AGC level based on the received numerical values. In one embodiment, the AGC level is equal to the estimated interference power measured on OFDM symbols that do not contain a common RS, plus the estimated path loss multiplied by S. tx, after The result. In another embodiment, the AGC level is equal to the historical estimate of the interference power plus the estimated path loss multiplied by S. tx, after The result.

[0059] In another embodiment, in step 714, UE 701 configures and performs DL RRM measurements. In one embodiment, the intra-carrier DL RRM measurement / reporting configuration for the UE includes: configuring the UE to perform DL RRM measurements / reporting (e.g., Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP)) on both the serving cell and neighboring cells within an activated VC, and configuring the UE to perform DL RRM measurements / reporting (e.g., RSRP and Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ)) on both the serving cell and neighboring cells outside an activated VC (but within the carrier).

[0060] Figure 8An exemplary flowchart illustrating UE operation using a multi-anchor structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided. In step 801, the UE performs initial access by probing a primary SS anchor within a contiguous spectrum block. In step 802, the UE obtains a serving cell identifier from the SS sequence carried in the probing primary SS anchor, wherein one or more SS anchors exist within the serving cell. In step 803, the UE receives one or more VC configurations for the serving cell, wherein the VC configuration includes the probing primary SS anchor within at least one VC. In step 804, the UE receives signaling for the coded chain rate matching mode of one or more other SS anchors, wherein the other SS anchors are within a VC for the serving cell.

[0061] Figure 9 An exemplary flowchart illustrating a UE performing bandwidth adaptation according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided. In step 901, the UE performs initial access in the wireless network via a first RF band having a first bandwidth and a first center frequency within a continuous bandwidth. In step 902, the UE receives a switching signaling to switch from the first RF band to a second RF band having a second bandwidth and a second center frequency, wherein the second bandwidth is different from the first bandwidth. In step 903, the UE performs RF bandwidth adaptation from the first RF band to the second RF band based on the switching signaling.

[0062] Figure 10 An exemplary flowchart for DL ​​RRM according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In step 1001, the UE receives DL RRM measurement / reporting configuration within one or more carriers. In step 1002, the UE performs DL RRM measurement / reporting on both the serving cell and one or more neighboring cells within one or more activated VCs. In step 1003, the UE performs DL RRM measurement / reporting on both the serving cell and neighboring cells on one or more carriers outside the one or more activated VCs.

[0063] While the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to specific embodiments for guiding purposes, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Accordingly, various features of the above embodiments can be modified, refined, and combined without departing from the scope set forth in the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for wireless communication, characterized in that, include: Initial access is performed by a user equipment in a wireless network via a first radio frequency configuration, wherein the first radio frequency configuration has a first bandwidth and a first center frequency within a continuous bandwidth; The virtual carrier configuration for the serving cell is received via higher-layer signaling using the corresponding radio frequency configuration; Receive switching signaling to switch from the first radio frequency configuration to a second radio frequency configuration having a second bandwidth and a second center frequency, wherein the second bandwidth is different from the first bandwidth; as well as Based on the conversion signaling, radio frequency bandwidth adaptation is performed from the first radio frequency configuration to the second radio frequency configuration.

2. The method for wireless communication as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: In the user equipment idle mode, paging messages are monitored using a third radio frequency band with a third bandwidth and a third center frequency, wherein the third bandwidth is less than at least one of the first bandwidth and the second bandwidth.

3. The method for wireless communication as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The switching signaling is dedicated physical layer signaling.

4. The method for wireless communication as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The conversion signaling is physical layer signaling used for data scheduling.

5. The method for wireless communication as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The conversion signaling is bandwidth adaptation signaling that includes at least one adaptation signaling, wherein the adaptation signaling includes: the bandwidth and center frequency position of the target virtual carrier, the downlink transmit power spectral density of the target virtual carrier, an uplink power control command for adjusting the uplink transmit power on the target virtual carrier, a triggering signaling for a downlink aperiodic reference signal for channel state information measurement, and a triggering signaling for uplink sounding reference signal transmission.

6. The method for wireless communication as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The bandwidth adaptation signaling, including the triggering signaling for the downlink aperiodic reference signal used for channel state information measurement, further includes: after completing the radio frequency bandwidth adaptation, performing the channel state information measurement and reporting on the received downlink aperiodic reference signal.

7. The method for wireless communication as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The bandwidth adaptation signaling includes the triggering signaling for transmitting the uplink probe reference signal, which further includes transmitting the uplink probe reference signal after the radio frequency bandwidth adaptation is completed.

8. The method for wireless communication as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The conversion signaling is a virtual carrier configuration conversion signaling that includes at least one virtual carrier signaling, wherein the virtual carrier signaling includes: a virtual carrier configuration index, the bandwidth and center frequency position of the target virtual carrier, the downlink transmission power spectral density of the target virtual carrier, and an uplink power control command for adjusting the uplink transmission power on the target virtual carrier.

9. A user equipment for wireless communication, characterized in that, include: A processor configured to perform a method for wireless communication as described in any one of claims 1-8.

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