Method for indicating capability information for improving channel estimation accuracy

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: Receiving, from a user device, a capability information report comprising a maximum allowable time periodicity value. Determining, using the capability information report, a time periodicity value for tracking reference signal resources. Transmitting, to the user device, a tracking reference signal resource configuration comprising the determined time periodicity value.

Description

[0001] METHOD FOR INDICATING CAPABILITY INFORMATION FOR IMPROVING

[0002] CHANNEL ESTIMATION ACCURACY

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] Various example embodiments described herein relate to the field of wireless communications .

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] Tracking reference signal configuration may enable a user device to perform parameter optimization for a channel estimator. The accuracy of channel estimates associated with a demodulation of high data rate downlink transmission may need to be very high to enable specification support for higher order modulation in 6G. The accuracy of channel estimates may be considered to depend on standard support regarding reference signals as well as on user device capability. Indicating capability information of the user device may improve channel estimation accuracy.

[0007] SUMMARY

[0008] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0009] Example embodiments of the present disclosure may enable improving channel estimation accuracy. This benefit may be achieved by the features of the independent claims. Further example embodiments are provided in the dependent claims, the detailed description, and the drawings.

[0010] According to a first aspect, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus may comprise at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: Receiving, from a user device, a capability information report comprising a maximum allowable time periodicity value. Determining, using the capability information report, a time periodicity value for tracking reference signal resources. Transmitting, to the user device, a tracking reference signal resource configuration comprising the determined time periodicity value. Such an apparatus may enable improving channel estimation accuracy of physical downlink shared channel and / or physical downlink control channel. Additionally, energy saving may be achieved and reference signal resource overhead reduced. Resources targeted for user devices may be minimized or maximized based on user device capability.

[0011] According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, the maximum allowable time periodicity value may be associated with a maximum supported modulation and coding scheme level. Such an apparatus may enable optimizing the channel estimation performance associated with demodulation reference signal of physical downlink control channel and / or physical downlink shared channel of the user device according to the maximum supported modulation and coding scheme.

[0012] According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, the capability report may further comprise at least one of: A maximum supported modulation and coding scheme level. A minimum number of physical resource blocks required for the tracking reference signal resource configuration to support the maximum supported modulation and coding scheme level. A maximum single-user multiple-input-multiple-output rank supported with the maximum allowable time periodicity value.

[0013] According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus further to perform: Receiving the capability information report via radio resource control signaling or medium access control control-element signaling.

[0014] According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, the tracking reference signal resource configuration may be associated with a periodic tracking reference signal resource configuration.

[0015] According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, the tracking reference signal resource configuration may be associated with a semi-persistent tracking reference signal resource configuration. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus further to perform: Activating and / or de-activating resource allocation via medium access control control-element signaling.

[0016] According to a second aspect, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus may comprise at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: Transmitting, to an access node, a capability information report comprising a maximum allowable time periodicity value. Receiving, from the access node, a tracking reference signal resource configuration comprising a determined time periodicity value. Maintaining, using the tracking reference signal resource configuration, time-frequency synchronization. Estimating, using the tracking reference signal resource configuration, filter parameters for signal reception.

[0017] According to an example embodiment of the second aspect, the maximum allowable time periodicity value may be associated with a maximum allowable modulation and coding scheme level.

[0018] According to an example embodiment of the second aspect, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus further to perform: Transmitting the capability information report via radio resource control signaling or medium access control control-element signaling.

[0019] According to an example embodiment of the second aspect, the capability report may further comprise at least one of: A maximum supported modulation and coding scheme level. A minimum number of physical resource blocks required for the tracking reference signal resource configuration to support the maximum supported modulation and coding scheme level. A maximum single-user multiple-input-multiple-output rank supported with the maximum allowable time periodicity value.

[0020] According to an example embodiment of the second aspect, the signal may be associated with at least one of: a demodulation reference signal of physical downlink shared channel and a demodulation reference signal of physical downlink control channel.

[0021] According to a third aspect, a computer-implemented method is disclosed. The method may comprise: Receiving, from a user device, a capability information report comprising a maximum allowable time periodicity value. Determining, using the capability information report, a time periodicity value for tracking reference signal resources. Transmitting, to the user device, a tracking reference signal resource configuration comprising the determined time periodicity value.

[0022] According to a fourth aspect, a computer-implemented method is disclosed. The method may comprise: Transmitting, to an access node, a capability information report comprising a maximum allowable time periodicity value. Receiving, from the access node, a tracking reference signal resource configuration comprising a determined time periodicity value. Maintaining, using the tracking reference signal resource configuration, time- frequency synchronization. Estimating, using the tracking reference signal resource configuration, filter parameters for signal reception.

[0023] According to a fifth aspect, a computer-readable medium is disclosed. The computer-readable medium may comprise program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: Receiving, from a user device, a capability information report comprising a maximum allowable time periodicity value. Determining, using the capability information report, a time periodicity value for tracking reference signal resources. Transmitting, to the user device, a tracking reference signal resource configuration comprising the determined time periodicity value.

[0024] According to a sixth aspect, a computer-readable medium is disclosed. The computer-readable medium may comprise program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: Transmitting, to an access node, a capability information report comprising a maximum allowable time periodicity value. Receiving, from the access node, a tracking reference signal resource configuration comprising a determined time periodicity value. Maintaining, using the tracking reference signal resource configuration, time-frequency synchronization. Estimating, using the tracking reference signal resource configuration, filter parameters for signal reception.

[0025] According to a seventh aspect, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus may comprise at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: Transmitting, to an access node, a capability information report comprising a plurality of maximum allowable time periodicity values associated with a plurality of different modulation and coding scheme levels, one maximum allowable time periodicity value per one modulation and coding scheme level. Receiving, from the access node, a tracking reference signal resource configuration comprising a determined time periodicity value associated with a determined modulation and coding scheme level. Maintaining, using the tracking reference signal resource configuration, time-frequency synchronization. Estimating, using the tracking reference signal resource configuration, filter parameters for signal reception.

[0026] According to an example embodiment of the seventh aspect, the capability report may further comprise at least one of: A plurality of supported modulation and coding scheme levels. A plurality of minimum numbers of physical resource blocks required for the tracking reference signal resource configuration to support the plurality of supported modulation and coding scheme levels, one minimum number of physical resource blocks per one modulation and coding scheme level. A plurality of maximum single -user multiple- input-multiple-output ranks supported with the plurality of maximum allowable time periodicities, one maximum single-user multiple-input-multiple-output rank per one maximum allowable time periodicity value.

[0027] According to an example embodiment of the seventh aspect, slots for the plurality of maximum allowable time periodicities may be ordered in an ascending order or in a descending order with respect to the associated plurality of modulation and coding scheme levels.

[0028] According to an example embodiment of the seventh aspect, the plurality of maximum allowable time periodicity values may be indicated with N-bit values.

[0029] According to an example embodiment of the seventh aspect, the plurality of modulation and coding scheme levels may be indicated with index values.

[0030] According to an example embodiment of the seventh aspect, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus further to perform receiving the capability information report via radio resource control signaling or medium access control control-element signaling.

[0031] According to an example embodiment of the seventh aspect, the tracking reference signal resource configuration may be associated with a periodic tracking reference signal resource configuration.

[0032] According to an example embodiment of the seventh aspect, the tracking reference signal resource configuration may be associated with a semi-persistent tracking reference signal resource configuration. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus further to perform: Activating and / or de-activating resource allocation via medium access control control-element signaling.

[0033] According to an example embodiment of the seventh aspect, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus further to perform: Receiving, from the access node, a periodic synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block. Receiving, from the access node, time-frequency synchronization resources specific for the determined modulation and coding scheme level. Estimating residual time and frequency error. Updating the filter parameters for signal reception. Receiving, from the access node, a physical downlink control channel with a demodulation reference signal scheduling a physical downlink shared channel. Receiving, from the access node, the physical downlink shared channel with the demodulation reference signal.

[0034] According to an example embodiment of the seventh aspect, the signal may be associated with at least one of: a demodulation reference signal of physical downlink shared channel and a demodulation reference signal of physical downlink control channel.

[0035] According to an eighth aspect, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus may comprise at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: Receiving, from a user device, a capability information report comprising a plurality of maximum allowable time periodicity values associated with a plurality of different modulation and coding scheme levels, one maximum allowable time periodicity value per one modulation and coding scheme level. Determining, using the capability information report, a modulation and coding scheme level and an associated time periodicity value for time-frequency tracking reference signal resources. Transmitting, to the user device, a tracking reference signal resource configuration comprising the determined time periodicity associated with the determined modulation and coding scheme level.

[0036] According to an example embodiment of the eighth aspect, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus further to perform: Transmitting, to the user device, a periodic synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block. Transmitting, to the user device, time-frequency synchronization resources specific for the determined modulation and coding scheme level. Transmitting, to the user device, a physical downlink control channel with a demodulation reference signal scheduling a physical downlink shared channel. Transmitting, to the user device, the physical downlink shared channel with the demodulation reference signal.

[0037] According to a ninth aspect, a computer-implemented method is disclosed. The method may comprise: Receiving, from a user device, a capability information report comprising a plurality of maximum allowable time periodicity values associated with a plurality of different modulation and coding scheme levels, one maximum allowable time periodicity value per one modulation and coding scheme level. Determining, using the capability information report, a modulation and coding scheme level and an associated time periodicity value for time-frequency tracking reference signal resources. Transmitting, to the user device, a tracking reference signal resource configuration comprising the determined time periodicity associated with the determined modulation and coding scheme level.

[0038] According to a tenth aspect, a computer-implemented method is disclosed. The method may comprise: Transmitting, to an access node, a capability information report comprising a plurality of maximum allowable time periodicity values associated with a plurality of different modulation and coding scheme levels, one maximum allowable time periodicity value per one modulation and coding scheme level. Receiving, from the access node, a tracking reference signal resource configuration comprising a determined time periodicity value associated with a determined modulation and coding scheme level. Maintaining, using the tracking reference signal resource configuration, time-frequency synchronization. Estimating, using the tracking reference signal resource configuration, filter parameters for signal reception.

[0039] Any example embodiment may be combined with one or more other example embodiments. Many of the attendant features will be more readily appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0040] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the example embodiments and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate example embodiments and together with the description help to understand the example embodiments. In the drawings:

[0042] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplified wireless communication system;

[0043] FIG. 2 illustrates example functionalities of an apparatus according to an example embodiment;

[0044] FIG. 3 illustrates example functionalities of an apparatus according to an example embodiment;

[0045] FIG. 4 illustrates example functionalities of an apparatus according to an example embodiment;

[0046] FIG. 5 illustrates a signaling diagram according to an example embodiment; FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an apparatus according to an example embodiment; and

[0047] FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an apparatus according to an example embodiment.

[0048] Like references are used to designate like parts in the accompanying drawings.

[0049] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Reference will now be made in detail to example embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The detailed description provided below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of the present examples and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present example may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions of the example and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the example. However, the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different examples.

[0051] Although the specification may refer to “an”, “one”, or “some” embodiment(s) in several locations, this does not necessarily mean that each such reference is to the same embodiment(s), or that the feature may not apply to other embodiments. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments. Furthermore, words “comprising” and “including” should be understood as not limiting the described embodiments / examples to consist of only those features that have been mentioned and such embodiments / examples may contain also features / structures that have not been specifically mentioned.

[0052] In the following, different exemplifying embodiments will be described using, as an example of an access architecture to which the embodiments may be applied, a radio access architecture based on long term evolution advanced (LTE Advanced, LTE-A) or new radio (NR, 5G), without restricting the embodiments to such an architecture, however. The embodiments may also be applied to other kinds of communications networks having suitable means by adjusting parameters and procedures appropriately. Some examples of other options for suitable systems are the universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) radio access network (UTRAN or E-UTRAN), long term evolution (LTE, the same as E-UTRA), wireless local area network (WiAN or WiFi), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), Bluetooth®, personal communications services (PCS), ZigBee®, wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), systems using ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, sensor networks, mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs) and Internet Protocol multimedia subsystems (IMS) or any combination thereof.

[0053] FIG. 1 depicts examples of simplified system architectures only showing some elements and functional entities, all being logical units, whose implementation may differ from what is shown. The connections shown in FIG. 1 are logical connections; the actual physical connections may be different. It is apparent to a person skilled in the art that the system typically comprises also other functions and structures than those shown in FIG. 1.

[0054] The embodiments are not, however, restricted to the system given as an example but a person skilled in the art may apply the solution to other communication systems provided with necessary properties.

[0055] The example of FIG. 1 shows a part of an exemplifying radio access network 100.

[0056] FIG. 1 shows user devices 101, 101’ configured to be in a wireless connection on one or more communication channels with a node 102. The node 102 is further connected to a core network 105. In one example, the node 102 may be an access node such as (e / g)NodeB providing or serving devices in a cell. In one example, the node 102 may be a non-3GPP access node. The physical link from a device to a (e / g)NodeB is called uplink or reverse link and the physical link from the (e / g)NodeB to the device is called downlink or forward link. It should be appreciated that (e / g)NodeBs or their functionalities may be implemented by using any node, host, server or access point etc. entity suitable for such a usage.

[0057] A communications system typically comprises more than one (e / g)NodeB in which case the (e / g)NodeBs may also be configured to communicate with one another over links, wired or wireless, designed for the purpose. These links may be used for signaling purposes. The (e / g)NodeB is a computing device configured to control the radio resources of communication system it is coupled to. The NodeB may also be referred to as a base station, an access point or any other type of interfacing device including a relay station capable of operating in a wireless environment. The (e / g)NodeB includes or is coupled to transceivers. From the transceivers of the (e / g)NodeB, a connection is provided to an antenna unit that establishes bi-directional radio links to devices. The antenna unit may comprise a plurality of antennas or antenna elements. The (e / g)NodeB is further connected to the core network 105 (CN or next generation core NGC). Depending on the system, the counterpart on the CN side can be a serving gateway (S-GW, routing and forwarding user data packets), packet data network gateway (P-GW), for providing connectivity of user devices (UEs) to external packet data networks, or mobile management entity (MME), or access and mobility management function (AMF), etc.

[0058] The user device (also called UE, user equipment, user terminal, terminal device, etc.) illustrates one type of an apparatus to which resources on the air interface are allocated and assigned, and thus any feature described herein with a user device may be implemented with a corresponding apparatus, such as a relay node. An example of such a relay node is a layer 3 relay (self-backhauling relay) towards the base station.

[0059] The user device typically refers to a device (e.g. a portable or non-portable computing device) that includes wireless mobile communication devices operating with or without a subscriber identification module (SIM), including, but not limited to, the following types of devices: a mobile station (mobile phone), smartphone, personal digital assistant (PDA), handset, device using a wireless modem (alarm or measurement device, etc.), laptop and / or touch screen computer, tablet, game console, notebook, and multimedia device. It should be appreciated that a device may also be a nearly exclusive uplink only device, of which an example is a camera or video camera loading images or video clips to a network. A device may also be a device having capability to operate in Internet of Things (loT) network which is a scenario in which objects are provided with the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction, e.g., to be used in smart power grids and connected vehicles. The user device may also utilize cloud. In some applications, a user device may comprise a user portable device with radio parts (such as a watch, earphones, eyeglasses, other wearable accessories or wearables) and the computation is carried out in the cloud. The device (or in some embodiments a layer 3 relay node) is configured to perform one or more of user equipment functionalities. The user device may also be called a subscriber unit, mobile station, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal or user equipment (UE) just to mention but a few names or apparatuses.

[0060] Various techniques described herein may also be applied to a cyber-physical system (CPS) (a system of collaborating computational elements controlling physical entities). CPS may enable the implementation and exploitation of massive amounts of interconnected ICT devices (sensors, actuators, processors microcontrollers, etc.) embedded in physical objects at different locations. Mobile cyber physical systems, in which the physical system in question has inherent mobility, are a subcategory of cyber-physical systems. Examples of mobile physical systems include mobile robotics and electronics transported by humans or animals.

[0061] Additionally, although the apparatuses have been depicted as single entities, different units, processors and / or memory units (not all shown in FIG. 1) may be implemented.

[0062] 5G enables using multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antennas, many more base stations or nodes than the LTE (a so-called small cell concept), including macro sites operating in co-operation with smaller stations and employing a variety of radio technologies depending on service needs, use cases and / or spectrum available. 5G mobile communications supports a wide range of use cases and related applications including video streaming, augmented reality, different ways of data sharing and various forms of machine type applications (such as (massive) machine-type communications (mMTC), including vehicular safety, different sensors and real-time control. 5G is expected to have multiple radio interfaces, namely below 6 GHz, cmWave and mmWave, and also being integrable with existing legacy radio access technologies, such as the LTE. Integration with the LTE may be implemented, at least in the early phase, as a system, where macro coverage is provided by the LTE and 5G radio interface access comes from small cells by aggregation to the LTE. In other words, 5G is planned to support both inter-RAT operability (such as LTE-5G) and inter-RI operability (inter-radio interface operability, such as below 6 GHz-cmWave, below 6 GHz-cmWave-mmWave). One of the concepts considered to be used in 5G networks is network slicing in which multiple independent and dedicated virtual sub-networks (network instances) may be created within the same infrastructure to run services that have different requirements on latency, reliability, throughput, and mobility.

[0063] The current architecture in LTE networks is fully distributed in the radio and fully centralized in the core network. The low latency applications and services in 5G require to bring the content close to the radio which leads to local break out and multi-access edge computing (MEC). 5G enables analytics and knowledge generation to occur at the source of the data. This approach requires leveraging resources that may not be continuously connected to a network such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, and sensors. MEC provides a distributed computing environment for application and service hosting. It also has the ability to store and process content in close proximity to cellular subscribers for faster response time. Edge computing covers a wide range of technologies such as wireless sensor networks, mobile data acquisition, mobile signature analysis, cooperative distributed peer- to-peer ad hoc networking and processing also classifiable as local cloud / fog computing and grid / mesh computing, dew computing, mobile edge computing, cloudlet, distributed data storage and retrieval, autonomic self-healing networks, remote cloud services, augmented and virtual reality, data caching, Internet of Things (massive connectivity and / or latency critical), critical communications (autonomous vehicles, traffic safety, real-time analytics, time-critical control, healthcare applications).

[0064] The communication system is also able to communicate with other networks, such as a public switched telephone network or the Internet 106 , or utilize services provided by them. The communication network may also be able to support the usage of cloud services, for example at least part of core network operations may be carried out as a cloud service (this is depicted in FIG. 1 by “cloud” 107). The communication system may also comprise a central control entity, or a like, providing facilities for networks of different operators to cooperate for example in spectrum sharing.

[0065] The technology of Edge cloud may be brought into a radio access network (RAN) by utilizing network function virtualization (NVF) and software defined networking (SDN). Using the technology of edge cloud may mean access node operations to be carried out, at least partly, in a server, host or node operationally coupled to a remote radio head or base station comprising radio parts. It is also possible that node operations will be distributed among a plurality of servers, nodes, or hosts. Application of cloud RAN architecture enables RAN real time functions being carried out at the RAN side (in a distributed unit, DU 102) and non-real time functions being carried out in a centralized manner (in a centralized unit, CU 104).

[0066] It should also be understood that the distribution of labor between core network operations and base station operations may differ from that of the LTE or even be nonexistent. Some other technology advancements probably to be used are Big Data and all- IP, which may change the way networks are being constructed and managed. 5G (or new radio, NR) networks are being designed to support multiple hierarchies, where MEC servers can be placed between the core and the base station or nodeB (gNB). It should be appreciated that MEC can be applied in 4G networks as well.

[0067] 5G may also utilize satellite communication to enhance or complement the coverage of 5G service, for example by providing backhauling. Possible use cases are providing service continuity for machine-to-machine (M2M) or Internet of Things (loT) devices or for passengers on board of vehicles, or ensuring service availability for critical communications, and future railway / maritime / aeronautical communications. Satellite communication may utilize geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellite systems, but also low earth orbit (LEO) satellite systems, in particular mega-constellations (systems in which hundreds of (nano)satellites are deployed). Each satellite 103 in the mega-constellation may cover several satellite-enabled network entities that create on-ground cells. The on-ground cells may be created through an on-ground relay node 102 or by a gNB located on-ground or in a satellite.

[0068] It is obvious for a person skilled in the art that the depicted system is only an example of a part of a radio access system and in practice, the system may comprise a plurality of (e / g)NodeBs, the user device may have an access to a plurality of radio cells and the system may comprise also other apparatuses, such as physical layer relay nodes or other network elements, etc. At least one of the (e / g)NodeBs or may be a Home(e / g)NodeB. Additionally, in a geographical area of a radio communication system a plurality of different kinds of radio cells as well as a plurality of radio cells may be provided. Radio cells may be macro cells (or umbrella cells) which are large cells, usually having a diameter of up to tens of kilometers, or smaller cells such as micro-, femto- or picocells. The (e / g)NodeBs of FIG. 1 may provide any kind of these cells. A cellular radio system may be implemented as a multilayer network including several kinds of cells. Typically, in multilayer networks, one access node provides one kind of a cell or cells, and thus a plurality of (e / g)NodeBs are required to provide such a network structure.

[0069] For fulfilling the need for improving the deployment and performance of communication systems, the concept of “plug-and-play” (e / g)NodeBs has been introduced. Typically, a network which is able to use “plug-and-play” (e / g)NodeBs, includes, in addition to Home (e / g)NodeBs (H(e / g)NodeBs), a home node B gateway, or HNB-GW (not shown in FIG. 1). A HNB Gateway (HNB-GW), which is typically installed within an operator's network may aggregate traffic from a large number of HNBs back to a core network.

[0070] In 5G and 6G networks, and beyond, it is envisaged that accuracy of channel estimates associated with a demodulation of high data rate downlink transmission may need to be high. An apparatus configured to receive a capability information report from a user device may be configured to determine a time periodicity value for a tracking reference signal resource configuration using the received capability information report, e.g., as described below with FIG. 2 to 5. FIG. 2 illustrates an example functionality of an apparatus configured to receive a capability information report according to an example embodiment.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 2, a capability information report (a capability indication) is received in operation 201 from a user device. The capability information report comprises a maximum allowable time periodicity value. The maximum allowable time periodicity value may be understood as maximum user device (UE) supported transmission time periodicity information. In an example embodiment, the maximum allowable time periodicity value is associated with a maximum supported modulation and coding scheme (MCS) level. In an example embodiment, the capability information report may further comprise at least one of: a maximum supported modulation and coding scheme level, a minimum number of physical resource blocks required for the tracking reference signal resource configuration to support the maximum supported modulation and coding scheme level, and a maximum single-user multiple-input-multiple-output (SU-MIMO) rank supported with the maximum allowable time periodicity value.

[0072] In an example embodiment, the capability information report is received via radio resource control signaling (RRC). In an example embodiment, the capability information report is be received via medium access control (MAC) control-element (CE) signaling. Periodicity of time-frequency tracking reference signal resources may be associated with resources with time of periodic or time of semi-persistent. In an example embodiment, the tracking reference signal resource configuration is associated with a periodic tracking reference signal resource configuration. In an example embodiment, the tracking reference signal resource configuration is associated with a semi-persistent tracking reference signal resource configuration. Resources having time type of semi-persistent may be activated and / or deactivated by medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) signaling.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 2, a time periodicity value for tracking reference signal resources is determined in operation 202 using the received capability information report. A tracking reference signal (TRS) resource configuration is transmitted in operation 203 to the user device. The tracking reference signal resource configuration comprises the determined time periodicity value.

[0074] In an example embodiment, the received capability information report comprises a plurality of maximum allowable time periodicity values associated with a plurality of different modulation and coding scheme levels, one maximum allowable time periodicity value per one modulation and coding scheme level. The transmitted tracking reference signal resource configuration comprises a determined time periodicity value associated with a determined modulation and coding scheme level. In an example embodiment, slots for the plurality of maximum allowable time periodicities are ordered in an ascending order or in a descending order with respect to the associated plurality of modulation and coding scheme levels. In an example embodiment, the plurality of maximum allowable time periodicity values is indicated with N-bit values. In an example embodiment, the user device may indicate capability information comprising multiple information elements, e.g., K information elements, associated with maximum supported time periodicities of time-frequency tracking reference signal resources associated with multiple supported modulation and coding scheme index values, e.g., for K = 3, slots in an ascending order: 20, 30, and 40. For N-bit values with, e.g., for N = 2, the reported periodicities may be indicated as 00 = 40 slots, 01 = 30 slots, and 10 = 20 slots, such that an indicated bit vector may be [10, 01, 00] in the ascending order. In an example embodiment, the plurality of modulation and coding scheme levels is indicated with index values. In an example embodiment, the modulation and coding scheme index values may be, e.g., for K = 3, index value 31 for 1024-QAM with Rc = 3 / 4, index value 30 for 1024- QAM with Rc = 2 / 3, and index value 1024-QAM with Rc = 1 / 2. In an example embodiment, the capability report further comprises at least one of: a plurality of supported modulation and coding scheme levels, a plurality of minimum numbers of physical resource blocks required for the tracking reference signal resource configuration to support the plurality of supported modulation and coding scheme levels, one minimum number of physical resource blocks per one modulation and coding scheme level, and a plurality of maximum single-user multiple-input-multiple-output ranks supported with the plurality of maximum allowable time periodicities, one maximum single-user multiple-input-multiple- output rank per one maximum allowable time periodicity value.

[0075] FIG. 3 illustrates an example functionality of an apparatus configured to transmit a capability information report according to an example embodiment.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 3, a capability information report is transmitted in operation 301 to an access node. The capability information report comprises a maximum allowable time periodicity value. In an example embodiment, the maximum allowable time periodicity value is associated with a maximum supported modulation and coding scheme (MCS) level. In an example embodiment, the capability information report may further comprise at least one of: a maximum supported modulation and coding scheme level, a minimum number of physical resource blocks required for the tracking reference signal resource configuration to support the maximum supported modulation and coding scheme level, and a maximum single-user multiple-input-multiple-output (SU-MIMO) rank supported with the maximum allowable time periodicity value. In an example embodiment, the capability information report is transmitted via radio resource control signaling (RRC). In an example embodiment, the capability information report is transmitted via medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) signaling. A tracking reference signal (TRS) resource configuration is received in operation 302 from the access node. The tracking reference signal resource configuration comprises a determined time periodicity value. Timefrequency synchronization is maintained in operation 303 using the tracking reference signal resource configuration. Filter parameters for signal reception (channel estimation) are estimated in operation 304 using the tracking reference signal resource configuration. The filter parameters may comprise, e.g., average delay, delay spread, doppler shift, and / or doppler spread. In an example embodiment, the signal is associated with at least one of: a demodulation reference signal of physical downlink shared channel and a demodulation reference signal of physical downlink control channel.

[0077] In an example embodiment, the transmitted capability information report comprises a plurality of maximum allowable time periodicity values associated with a plurality of different modulation and coding scheme (MCS) levels, one maximum allowable time periodicity value per one modulation and coding scheme level. The received tracking reference signal resource configuration comprises a determined time periodicity value associated with a determined modulation and coding scheme level. In an example embodiment, slots for the plurality of maximum allowable time periodicities are ordered in an ascending order or in a descending order with respect to the associated plurality of modulation and coding scheme levels. In an example embodiment, the plurality of maximum allowable time periodicity values is indicated with N-bit values. In an example embodiment, the user device may indicate capability information comprising multiple information elements, e.g., K information elements, associated with maximum supported time periodicities of time-frequency tracking reference signal resources associated with multiple supported modulation and coding scheme index values, e.g., for K = 3, slots in an ascending order: 20, 30, and 40. For N-bit values with, e.g., for N = 2, the reported periodicities may be indicated as 00 = 40 slots, 01 = 30 slots, and 10 = 20 slots, such that an indicated bit vector may be [10, 01, 00] in the ascending order. In an example embodiment, the plurality of modulation and coding scheme levels is indicated with index values. In an example embodiment, the modulation and coding scheme index values may be, e.g., for K = 3, index value 31 for 1024-QAM with Rc = 3 / 4, index value 30 for 1024- QAM with Rc = 2 / 3, and index value 1024-QAM with Rc = 1 / 2. In an example embodiment, the capability report further comprises at least one of: a plurality of supported modulation and coding scheme levels, a plurality of minimum numbers of physical resource blocks required for the tracking reference signal resource configuration to support the plurality of supported modulation and coding scheme levels, one minimum number of physical resource blocks per one modulation and coding scheme level, and a plurality of maximum single-user multiple-input-multiple-output ranks supported with the plurality of maximum allowable time periodicities, one maximum single-user multiple-input-multiple- output rank per one maximum allowable time periodicity value.

[0078] FIG. 4 illustrates an example functionality of an apparatus configured to transmit a capability information report according to an example embodiment.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 4, the process continues from operation 304 in FIG. 3. A periodic synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB) is received in operation 401 from the access node. Time-frequency synchronization resources specific for the determined modulation and coding scheme are received in operation 402 from the access node. Residual time and frequency error is estimated in operation 403. The filter parameters for signal reception are updated in operation 404. A physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) with a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) scheduling a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) is received in operation 405 from the access node. The physical downlink shared channel with the demodulation reference signal is received in operation 406 from the access node.

[0080] FIG. 5 illustrates a signaling diagram according to an example of information exchange in a communication network configured to indicate capability information report for improving channel estimation accuracy. The term “UE” is used for a user device configured to transmit capability information report. The term “AN” is used for an access node configured to determine a time periodicity value using the capability information report. The access node may be, e.g., gNB or a distributed access node, comprising for example a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU) enabling RAN real time functions being carried out at the RAN side (in the DU) and non-real time functions being carried out in a centralized manner (in the CU). The UE is assumed to be in a connected mode operation and an initial access with system information is assumed to have been obtained successfully from the AN or the network.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 5, the UE transmits (message 5-1) a message comprising a capability information report comprising at least a maximum allowable time periodicity value to the AN. Upon receiving message 5-1, a time periodicity value is determined in block 5-2 by the AN using the capability information report. The AN transmits (message 5-3) a message comprising a tracking reference signal (TRS) resource configuration comprising the determined time periodicity value to the UE. In an example embodiment, the tracking reference signal resource configuration may be modulation and coding scheme (MCS) level specific. The AN transmits (message 5-4) to the UE a message comprising a periodic synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB). Upon receiving message 5-4, time-frequency synchronization is maintained in block 5-5 by the UE, using the tracking reference signal resource configuration, and filter parameters for signal reception are estimated in block 5-6 by the UE, using the tracking reference signal resource configuration. The AN transmits (message 5-7) time-frequency synchronization resources to the UE. In an example embodiment, the time-frequency synchronization resources may be specific for the determined modulation and coding scheme level. Residual time and frequency error is estimated in block 5-8 by the UE. The filter parameters for signal reception are updated in block 5-9 by the UE. The AN transmits (message 5-10) a physical downlink control channel (PBCCH) with a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) scheduling a physical downlink shared channel (PBSCH) to the UE. The AN transmits (message 5-11) the physical downlink shared channel with the demodulation reference signal.

[0082] FIG. 6 illustrates an example embodiment of an apparatus 600, which may be an apparatus such as, or comprised in, a user device. The apparatus 600 may correspond to any of the user devices 101, 101’ of FIG. 1. The apparatus may also be called a subscriber unit, mobile station, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, terminal device, user equipment (UE), vehicle, or any electric device. Although the apparatus 600 is illustrated as a single device, it is appreciated that, wherever applicable, functions of the apparatus 600 may be distributed to a plurality of devices.

[0083] The apparatus 600 may comprise at least one processor 602. The at least one processor 602 may comprise, for example, one or more of various processing devices or processor circuitry, such as for example a co-processor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processing circuitry with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing devices including integrated circuits such as, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a hardware accelerator, a special-purpose computer chip, or the like.

[0084] The apparatus 600 may further comprise at least one memory 604. The at least one memory 604 may be configured to store, for example, computer program code or the like, for example operating system software and application software. The at least one memory 604 may comprise one or more volatile memory devices, one or more non-volatile memory devices, and / or a combination thereof. For example, the at least one memory 604 may be embodied as magnetic storage devices (such as hard disk drives, floppy disks, magnetic tapes, etc.), optical magnetic storage devices, or semiconductor memories (such as mask ROM, PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable PROM), flash ROM, RAM (random access memory), etc.).

[0085] The apparatus 600 may further comprise a communication interface 608 configured to enable the apparatus 600 to transmit and / or receive information to / from other devices. In one example, the apparatus 600 may use the communication interface 608 to transmit or receive signaling information and data in accordance with at least one data communication or cellular communication protocol. The communication interface 608 may comprise, or be configured to be coupled to, at least one antenna to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals. One or more of the various types of connections may be also implemented as separate communication interfaces, which may be coupled or configured to be coupled to one or more of a plurality of antennas. The communication interface 608 may comprise a receiver, a transmitter, or a transceiver.

[0086] FIG. 7 illustrates an example embodiment of an apparatus 700, which may be an apparatus such as, or comprised in, an access node. The apparatus 700 may correspond to the access node 102 of FIG. 1 such as (e / g)NodeB or any access node, or in general a device configured to implement the functionalities or some of the functionalities described herein. Although the apparatus 700 is illustrated as a single device, it is appreciated that, wherever applicable, functions of the apparatus 700 may be distributed to a plurality of devices.

[0087] The apparatus 700 may comprise at least one processor 702. The at least one processor 702 may comprise, for example, one or more of various processing devices or processor circuitry, such as for example a co-processor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processing circuitry with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing devices including integrated circuits such as, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a hardware accelerator, a special-purpose computer chip, or the like.

[0088] The apparatus 700 may further comprise at least one memory 704. The at least one memory 704 may be configured to store, for example, computer program code or the like, for example operating system software and application software. The at least one memory 704 may comprise one or more volatile memory devices, one or more non-volatile memory devices, and / or a combination thereof. For example, the at least one memory 704 may be embodied as magnetic storage devices (such as hard disk drives, floppy disks, magnetic tapes, etc.), optical magnetic storage devices, or semiconductor memories (such as mask ROM, PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable PROM), flash ROM, RAM (random access memory), etc.).

[0089] The apparatus 700 may further comprise a communication interface 708 configured to enable the apparatus 700 to transmit and / or receive information to / from other devices. In one example, the apparatus 700 may use the communication interface 708 to transmit or receive signaling information and data in accordance with at least one data communication or cellular communication protocol. The communication interface 708 may be configured to provide at least one wireless radio connection, such as, for example, a 3GPP mobile broadband connection (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G, 6G etc.). The communication interface 708 may comprise, or be configured to be coupled to, at least one antenna to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals. One or more of the various types of connections may be also implemented as separate communication interfaces, which may be coupled or configured to be coupled to one or more of a plurality of antennas. The communication interface 708 may comprise a receiver, a transmitter, or a transceiver.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, when the apparatus 600, 700 is configured to implement some functionality, some component and / or components of the apparatus 600, 700, such as for example the at least one processor 602, 702 and / or the at least one memory 604, 704, may be configured to implement this functionality. Furthermore, when the at least one processor 602, 702 is configured to implement some functionality, this functionality may be implemented using program code 606, 706 comprised, for example, in the at least one memory 604, 704. The functionality described herein may be performed, at least in part, by one or more computer program product components such as for example software components. According to an example embodiment, the apparatus 600, 700 may comprise a processor or processor circuitry, such as for example a microcontroller, configured by the program code when executed to execute the embodiments of the operations and functionality described. The program code 606, 706 is provided as an example of instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor 602, 702, cause performance of apparatus. Alternatively, or additionally, the functionality described herein can be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components. For example, and without limitation, illustrative types of hardware logic components that can be used include Field- programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), application-specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), application-specific Standard Products (ASSPs), System-on-a-chip systems (SOCs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), Graphics Processing Units (GPUs).

[0091] The apparatus 600, 700 may be configured to perform or cause performance of any aspect of the method(s) described herein. Further, a computer program may comprise instructions for causing, when executed, an apparatus to perform any aspect of the method(s) described herein. The computer program may be stored on a computer-readable medium. Further, the apparatus 600, 700 may comprise means for performing any aspect of the method(s) described herein. In one example, the means may comprise the at least one processor 602, 702, the at least one memory 604,704 including the program code 606, 706 (instructions) configured to, when executed by the at least one processor 602, 702, cause the apparatus 600, 700 to perform the method(s). In general, computer program instructions may be executed on means providing generic processing functions. The method(s) may be thus computer-implemented, for example, algorithm(s) executable by the generic processing functions, an example of which is the at least one processor 602, 702. The means may comprise transmission and / or reception means, for example one or more radio transmitters or receivers, which may be coupled or be configured to be coupled to one or more antennas, or transmitter(s) or receiver(s) of a wired communication interface.

[0092] As used in this application, the term ‘circuitry’ refers to all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations, such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry, and (b) combinations of circuits and soft-ware (and / or firmware), such as (as applicable): (i) a combination of processor(s) or (ii) portions of processor(s) / software including digital signal processor(s), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus to perform various functions, and (r) circuits, such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that require software or firmware for operation, even if the software or firmware is not physically present. This definition of ‘circuitry’ applies to all uses of this term in this application. As a further example, as used in this application, the term ‘circuitry’ would also cover an implementation of merely a processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term ‘circuitry’ would also cover, for example and if applicable to the particular element, a baseband integrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in a sensor, a cellular network device, or another network device.

[0093] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example embodiments of implementing the claims and other equivalent features and acts are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

[0094] It will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one example embodiment or may relate to several example embodiments. The example embodiments are not limited to those that solve any or all of the stated problems or those that have any or all of the stated benefits and advantages. It will further be understood that reference to 'an' item may refer to one or more of those items.

[0095] The steps or operations of the methods described herein may be carried out in any suitable order, or simultaneously where appropriate. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from any of the methods without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. Aspects of any of the example embodiments described above may be combined with aspects of any of the other example embodiments described to form further example embodiments without losing the effect sought.

[0096] It will be understood that the above description is given by way of example embodiments only and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art. The above specification, example embodiments and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments. Although various example embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed example embodiments without departing from scope of this specification.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: receiving, from a user device, a capability information report comprising a maximum allowable time periodicity value; determining, using the capability information report, a time periodicity value for tracking reference signal resources; transmitting, to the user device, a tracking reference signal resource configuration comprising the determined time periodicity value.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the maximum allowable time periodicity value is associated with a maximum supported modulation and coding scheme level.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the capability report further comprises at least one of: a maximum supported modulation and coding scheme level; a minimum number of physical resource blocks required for the tracking reference signal resource configuration to support the maximum supported modulation and coding scheme level; and a maximum single-user multiple-input-multiple-output rank supported with the maximum allowable time periodicity value.

4. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus further to perform receiving the capability information report via radio resource control signaling or medium access control control-element signaling.

5. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the tracking reference signal resource configuration is associated with a periodic tracking reference signal resource configuration.

6. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the tracking reference signal resource configuration is associated with a semi-persistent tracking reference signal resource configuration, and the at least one memory and the computer program code is configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus further to perform: activating and / or de-activating resource allocation via medium access control controlelement signaling.

7. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: transmitting, to an access node, a capability information report comprising a maximum allowable time periodicity value; receiving, from the access node, a tracking reference signal resource configuration comprising a determined time periodicity value; maintaining, using the tracking reference signal resource configuration, time-frequency synchronization; and estimating, using the tracking reference signal resource configuration, filter parameters for signal reception.

8. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the maximum allowable time periodicity value is associated with a maximum allowable modulation and coding scheme level.

9. An apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus further to perform transmitting the capability information report via radio resource control signaling or medium access control control-element signaling.

10. An apparatus according to any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the capability report further comprises at least one of: a maximum supported modulation and coding scheme level; a minimum number of physical resource blocks required for the tracking reference signal resource configuration to support the maximum supported modulation and coding scheme level; and a maximum single-user multiple-input-multiple-output rank supported with the maximum allowable time periodicity value.

11. An apparatus according to any of claims 7 to 10, wherein the signal is associated with at least one of: a demodulation reference signal of physical downlink shared channel and a demodulation reference signal of physical downlink control channel.

12. A computer-implemented method comprising: receiving, from a user device, a capability information report comprising a maximum allowable time periodicity value; determining, using the capability information report, a time periodicity value for tracking reference signal resources; and transmitting, to the user device, a tracking reference signal resource configuration comprising the determined time periodicity value.

13. A computer-implemented method comprising: transmitting, to an access node, a capability information report comprising a maximum allowable time periodicity value; receiving, from the access node, a tracking reference signal resource configuration comprising a determined time periodicity value; maintaining, using the tracking reference signal resource configuration, time-frequency synchronization; and estimating, using the tracking reference signal resource configuration, filter parameters for signal reception.

14. A computer-readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following:receiving, from a user device, a capability information report comprising a maximum allowable time periodicity value; determining, using the capability information report, a time periodicity value for tracking reference signal resources; and transmitting, to the user device, a tracking reference signal resource configuration comprising the determined time periodicity value.

15. A computer-readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: transmitting, to an access node, a capability information report comprising a maximum allowable time periodicity value; receiving, from the access node, a tracking reference signal resource configuration comprising a determined time periodicity value; maintaining, using the tracking reference signal resource configuration, time-frequency synchronization; and estimating, using the tracking reference signal resource configuration, filter parameters for signal reception.

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