Base station, wireless communication device, and communication method

Abstract

This base station comprises a communication unit and a control unit. The communication unit communicates with a wireless communication device and includes a circuit that processes signals in a frequency band that includes a first fragmented carrier and a second fragmented carrier that are separated from each other. The control unit receives, from the wireless communication device, condition information that indicates whether the wireless communication device satisfies an addition condition. When the addition condition is satisfied, the control unit gives instruction information that instructs addition of the second fragmented carrier as a component carrier to the wireless communication device that has been configured to use the first fragmented carrier as a component carrier.

Description

Base station, wireless communication device, and communication method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a base station, a wireless communication device, and a communication method.

[0002] The first standard for the fifth-generation mobile communications system, commonly known as 5G, was formulated as Rel-15 in 2018, and 5G-compatible services were launched in Japan in March 2020. 5G features include high speed and large capacity (eMBB: enhanced Mobile Broadband), low latency and high reliability (URLLC: Ultra-Reliable and Low Latency Communications), and multiple simultaneous connections (mMTC: massive Machine Type Communication).

[0003] For example, in some countries, such as Canada and Australia, operators may be allocated non-contiguous fragmented spectrum within a frequency band.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-108168

[0005] RP-240768, TELUS et. al., “Way Forward on Fragmented Carriers in Rel-19,” 3GPP TSG RAN Meeting #103, March 18–21, 2024, [online], [Retrieved June 3, 2023], Internet <URL: https: / / www.3gpp.org / ftp / meetings_3gpp_sync / ran / Docs / RP-240768.zip> RP-233374, TELUS et. al., “Fragmented carriers in the DL,” 3GPP TSG RAN plenary #102, November 30, 2023, [online], [Retrieved June 3, 2023], Internet <URL: https: / / www.3gpp.org / ftp / tsg_ran / TSG_RAN / TSGR_102 / Docs / RP-233374.zip>

[0006] As mentioned above, when a fragmented spectrum (carrier) is allocated, in the current specification, the wireless communication device configures CA using one transceiver circuit block per fragmented carrier, in accordance with the definition of intra-band non-contiguous CA (Carrier Aggregation).

[0007] For example, suppose two fragmented carriers are allocated to the downlink (1930 MHz-1995 MHz) of the band (n25) and a wireless communication device uses these two fragmented carriers. In this case, according to conventional specifications, the wireless communication device receives signals of one frequency band (n25) using, for example, two receiving circuit blocks.

[0008] For example, in the case of a terminal device, the number of receiver circuits that can be installed is limited due to size restrictions, etc. In this case, if multiple receiver circuits are used for CA of fragmented carriers in the same band, rather than CA with other bands, there is a risk that communication efficiency will decrease.

[0009] In addition, for the next-generation mobile communication system, 6G, the use of a band called FR3 (7.125 GHz - 24.25 GHz) is desired. This band includes bands already in use for other purposes. Therefore, in order to achieve the high throughput required for 6G, it is necessary to bundle more fragmented carriers to communicate efficiently.

[0010] Therefore, the present disclosure proposes a base station, a wireless communication device, and a communication method that can further improve communication efficiency.

[0011] It should be noted that the above problem or object is merely one of multiple problems or objects that can be solved or achieved by multiple embodiments disclosed in this specification.

[0012] A base station according to the present disclosure includes a communication unit and a control unit. The communication unit includes a circuit for processing signals of a frequency band including a first fragmented carrier and a second fragmented carrier that are spaced apart from each other, and communicates with a wireless communication device. The control unit receives condition information from the wireless communication device indicating whether the wireless communication device satisfies an adding condition. If the adding condition is satisfied, the control unit notifies the wireless communication device, which has set the first fragmented carrier as a component carrier, of instruction information instructing the wireless communication device to add the second fragmented carrier to the component carrier.

[0013] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a combination of feature sets. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of spectrum allocation according to the proposed technology of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a network architecture of a 5G system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an information processing device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a base station according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a wireless communication device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a signal processing circuit according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a connection process according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of an addition process according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a signaling flow according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a release process according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an addition process according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a release process according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of selectivity of a wireless communication device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of an addition process according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a power difference between intra component carriers according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of an addition process according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a release process according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of spectrum allocation according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0015] In this specification and drawings, similar components of the embodiments may be distinguished by adding at least one different alphabet and / or number after the same reference numeral. However, if there is no need to particularly distinguish between the similar components, only the same reference numeral will be used.

[0016] One or more embodiments (including examples, modifications, and application examples) described below can be implemented independently. However, at least a portion of the embodiments described below may be implemented in appropriate combination with at least a portion of another embodiment. These embodiments may include novel features that are different from each other. Therefore, these embodiments may contribute to solving different purposes or problems and may produce different effects from each other.

[0017] <<1. Introduction>> <1-1. Related Technology> <1-1-1. Carrier Aggregation (CA)> A wireless communication device may, for example, configure CA by aggregating two or more component carriers. A terminal device, which is User Equipment (UE), may simultaneously communicate (transmit or receive) on one or more component carriers depending on its capabilities.

[0018] A UE capable of using one timing advance for CA may simultaneously communicate (transmit and / or receive) on multiple component carriers corresponding to multiple serving cells sharing the same timing advance, e.g., multiple serving cells grouped into a Timing Advance Group (TAG).

[0019] A UE capable of supporting multiple timing advances for CA may simultaneously communicate (receive and / or transmit) on multiple component carriers corresponding to multiple serving cells with different timing advances, e.g., multiple serving cells grouped into multiple TAGs.

[0020] A UE that does not have the capability for CA may communicate (transmit and receive) on only one serving cell, i.e., one component carrier corresponding to only one serving cell of one TAG.

[0021] CA is supported on both contiguous and non-contiguous component carriers.

[0022] When CA is implemented, frame timing and SFN (System Frame Number) are adjusted between aggregation-enabled cells, or an offset of multiple slots between a PCell (Primary Cell) or a PSCell (Primary Secondary Cell) and a SCell (Secondary Cell) is configured in the UE.

[0023] When CA is configured, the UE has one Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection with the network. During RRC connection establishment / re-establishment or handover, one serving cell provides Non-Access Stratum (NAS) mobility information. During RRC connection re-establishment or handover, one serving cell provides security input. This one serving cell is called PCell.

[0024] Depending on the capabilities of the UE, an SCell is configured to form a set of serving cells together with the PCell, that is, the set of serving cells configured for the UE always consists of one PCell and one or more SCells.

[0025] The reconfiguration, addition, and removal of SCells may be performed by the RRC.

[0026] When a new SCell is added, dedicated RRC signaling is used to transmit all the necessary system information of the SCell to the UE, so that the UE does not need to directly obtain the system information broadcast from the SCell in connected mode.

[0027] <1-1-2. Multi-Radio Dual Connectivity (MR-DC)> The Radio Access Network (RAN) supports Multi-Radio Dual Connectivity (MR-DC). An RRC_CONNECTED UE is configured to utilize radio resources provided by two different schedulers. The two different schedulers are located in two different radio access network nodes connected via a non-ideal backhaul.

[0028] When a secondary cell group (SCG) is configured in a UE, two media access group (MAC) entities, one for a master cell group (MCG) and one for the SCG, are configured in the UE.

[0029] For example, a wireless terminal device (UE) may include two transceiver circuits (first and second transceiver circuits). In this case, for example, the first transceiver circuit may perform communication (transmission and / or reception) on a component carrier provided by a PCell of an MCG. Furthermore, for example, the second transceiver circuit may perform communication (transmission and / or reception) on a component carrier provided by a PSCell of an SCG.

[0030] <1-1-3. UE Capability> The UE reports its UE radio access capabilities when requested by the network.

[0031] UE capabilities are hierarchically structured, with the parameters of each capability defined for each UE, since UEs may support different functions for different UEs, different duplex modes (FDD (Frequency Division Duplex) / TDD (Time Division Duplex)), different frequency ranges (FR1 / FR2), different bands, different band combinations, etc.

[0032] Figure 1 shows an example of a combination of feature sets, which is based on the description in 3GPP (registered trademark) TS38.300 ("3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Radio Access Network; NR; NR and NG-RAN Overall Description").

[0033] For each block of contiguous serving cells in a band, the set of features supported therein is defined as a feature set.

[0034] The UE may indicate multiple feature sets for a band (also called per-band feature sets) to signal different alternative features for blocks associated with successive serving cells within that band.

[0035] The two-dimensional array of feature sets for all bands of a band combination (i.e., all feature sets per band) is also called a feature set combination.

[0036] In a feature set combination, the number of feature sets per band is equal to the number of bands in the corresponding band combination. All feature sets per band have the same number of feature sets. Each band combination is associated with one feature set combination.

[0037] For some features of intra-band contiguous carrier aggregation, the UE reports its capabilities for each carrier separately.

[0038] These capability parameters are transmitted as a per-component carrier feature set, and these capability parameters are signaled for the corresponding (per-band) feature set, i.e., for the corresponding block of contiguous serving cells within the band.

[0039] The capabilities that apply to each carrier within a block are independent of the order in which they are signaled in the corresponding feature set.

[0040] The base station can request the UE to report what capabilities it should report depending on the band information.

[0041] The UE capability can be represented by a capability ID, which can be exchanged through NAS signaling.

[0042] The Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) of the core network can store UE Radio Capability information uploaded by the base station. The UE Radio Capability Management Function (UCMF) of the core network also stores UE Radio Capability Information corresponding to all UE Radio Capability IDs in a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), i.e., an operator. The UCMF is responsible for assigning each PLMN-assigned UE Radio Capability ID.

[0043] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of spectrum allocation according to the proposed technique of the present disclosure, in which non-contiguous fragmented spectrum is allocated to two telecom operators (Operator A and Operator B in FIG. 2) in one band (e.g., Band n25).

[0044] In Figure 2, operator A (an example of a first operator) is allocated two fragmented spectrums in a first band. For example, the first band includes multiple component carriers (CCs), each of which is a fragmented carrier. Hereinafter, component carrier CC1_A will also be referred to as a first fragmented carrier (subcomponent carrier) CC1_A, and component carrier CC2_A will also be referred to as a second fragmented carrier (subcomponent carrier) CC2_A.

[0045] Operator B (an example of a second operator) is allocated two fragmented spectrums in a first band, for example, the first band includes multiple component carriers (component carriers CC1_B, CC2_B), each of which is a fragmented carrier.

[0046] For example, assume that a wireless terminal device uses a wireless communication service via fragmented carriers CC1_A and CC2_A, which are fragmented carriers in a first band of an operator A. In this case, a conventional wireless terminal device needs to be equipped with two transceiver circuits (first and second transceiver circuits).

[0047] The conventional wireless communication device processes fragmented carrier CC1_A in a first transceiver circuit and processes fragmented carrier CC2_A in a second transceiver circuit, thereby ensuring adjacent channel selectivity for component carriers CC1_B and CC2_B, which are fragmented carriers of operator B.

[0048] For example, the first transceiver circuit uses an installed low-pass filter (LPF) or the like to filter component carriers CC1_B and CC2_B, which are adjacent channels to fragmented carrier CC1_A.

[0049] For example, the second transceiver circuit uses an installed low-pass filter (LPF) or the like to filter the component carrier CC2_B, which is an adjacent channel of the fragmented carrier CC2_A.

[0050] In this way, when a conventional wireless communication device equipped with two transceiver circuits uses a wireless communication service via fragmented carriers CC1_A and CC2_A, it needs to use all of its transceiver circuits.

[0051] Therefore, for example, if operator A provides wireless communication services in a second band that is higher in frequency than the first band and is also wider, a conventional wireless communication device cannot enjoy services in the second band while using services in the first band.

[0052] This is because conventional wireless communication devices already use two transmission / reception circuits for communication, and therefore cannot set up carrier aggregation or dual connectivity with the second band.

[0053] Furthermore, if a conventional wireless communication device has only one transmission / reception circuit, it can only use wireless communication services via either fragmented carriers CC1_A or CC2_A.

[0054] Thus, there is room for further improvement in communication efficiency in communications in which fragmented carriers are included in the first band.

[0055] For example, if fragmented carriers CC1_A and CC2_A can be received using one transceiver circuit, there is room for consideration as to how a wireless communication device can communicate using fragmented carriers CC1_A and CC2_A.

[0056] <1-3. Proposed Technology> A base station according to the proposed technology of the present disclosure includes a communication unit that communicates with a wireless communication device (an example of a terminal device) and a control unit. The communication unit includes a transceiver circuit that processes signals in a frequency band (e.g., a first band) that includes fragmented first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A and CC2_A that are spaced apart from each other.

[0057] The control unit receives condition information from the wireless communication device indicating whether the wireless communication device satisfies an additional condition. The additional condition may be, for example, that the signal strength of a component carrier CC2_B between the first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A and CC2_A is equal to or less than a set threshold. Alternatively, the additional condition may be, for example, that the selectivity of the component carrier CC2_B satisfies a required value. Alternatively, the additional condition may be, for example, that the difference in signal strength between the first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A and CC2_A is equal to or less than a set difference threshold.

[0058] If the addition condition is satisfied, the control unit instructs the wireless communication device that has set the first fragmented carrier CC1_A as a component carrier to add the second fragmented carrier CC2_A to this component carrier.

[0059] The wireless communication device adds the second fragmented carrier CC2_A to the component carriers in accordance with the instruction, thereby being able to enjoy communication services using the first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A and CC2_A.

[0060] This allows the wireless communication device to further improve communication efficiency.

[0061] <<2. First embodiment>> <2-1. Configuration example of communication system> <2-1-1. Network architecture of 5G system> A communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is, for example, a 5G system. Here, an example of the network architecture of a 5G system, which is the communication system according to the present embodiment, will be described with reference to FIG. 3 .

[0062] 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a network architecture of a 5G system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, the 5G system will be abbreviated as 5GS (5G System).

[0063] 5GS includes a UE (User Equipment) 10, an (R)AN 20, and a 5G Core (5GC) 30. 5GC is also referred to as an NGC (NG CORE) or core network. The notation (R)AN represents a base station including a Radio Access Network (RAN) and an Access Network (AN). Hereinafter, the (R)AN 20 will also be referred to as a base station 20. The UE 10 is a terminal device (wireless communication device). Hereinafter, the UE 10 will also be referred to as a terminal device 10 or a wireless communication device 10.

[0064] An application server (AS) 40 that processes applications is connected to 5GS via the Internet, enabling UE 10 to use applications via 5G services.

[0065] When an entity that provides an application, for example, a service provider, has a contract such as a service level agreement (SLA) with a public land mobile network (PLMN) operator (the above-mentioned operator A or operator B) that provides 5G services, the application server 40 is arranged in the 5GC 30 as the DN 340. Alternatively, the application server 40 can be connected to the DN 340 via a dedicated line or a virtual private network (VPN).

[0066] The application server 40 is also called a cloud server, or may be provided in the form of an edge server.

[0067] The 5GS control plane functions include an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 301, a Network Exposure Function (NEF) 302, and a Network Repository Function (NRF) 303. The control plane functions also include a Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) 304, a Policy Control Function (PCF) 305, a Session Management Function (SMF) 306, and a Unified Data Management Function (UDM) 307. The control plane functions include an Application Function (AF) 308, an Authentication Server Function (AUSF) 309, and a UE radio Capability Management Function (UCMF) 310. The control plane functions also include a Location Management Function (LMF) 311 and a Network Slice Access Control Function (NSACF) 312. In this way, the control plane functions are configured by a plurality of Network Functions (NFs).

[0068] Here, the AF 308 can operate as a NF that processes the control plane of the application server 40. The AF 308 may be implemented in the same physical device as the application server 40, that is, as an entity logically different from the application server 40. The AF 308 may also operate as a NF that processes the control plane for a 5GS application and be located in the 5GC 30.

[0069] A service provider that manages and operates the application server 40 can obtain information from each NF of the 5G system via the NEF 302 within the scope of the SLA with the PLMN operator. The NEF 302 can securely secure and disclose the capabilities and events of each NF to the service provider.

[0070] The UDM 307 includes a UDR (Unified Data Repository) that stores and manages the contracting party information, and an FE (Front End) unit that processes the contracting party information.

[0071] The AMF 301 performs mobility management. Detailed operations of the AMF 301 related to this embodiment will be described later. The SMF 306 performs session management.

[0072] The PCF 305 provides a unified policy framework for governing network operations, provides policy rules to each network function in the control plane, and accesses subscriber information from the UDR for policy decisions.

[0073] The UCMF 310 holds UE Radio Capability Information corresponding to all UE Radio Capability IDs in a PLMN, and is responsible for assigning each PLMN-assigned UE Radio Capability ID.

[0074] In the UE-Based mode, the LMF 311 provides the UE 10 with assistance data for positioning. The UE 10 can perform measurements related to a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and calculate its position using the assistance data acquired from the LMF 311. The UE 10 can use, for example, a widely known method called Assisted-GNSS.

[0075] In the UE-Assisted mode, the LMF 311 acquires GNSS-related measurements such as Code Phase, Doppler, and Carrier Phase from the UE 10 equipped with a GNSS receiver, and calculates the position of the UE 10 .

[0076] Furthermore, for UE 10 that is equipped with a GNSS receiver but cannot receive signals from GNSS, or that is not equipped with GNSS, LMF 311 acquires information relating to the location of UE 10 using positioning techniques called: -OTDOA (Observed Time Difference Of Arrival) -Multi-RTT (Round Trip Time) -DL AoD (Downlink Angle-of-Departure) -DL TDOA (Downlink Time Difference Of Arrival) -UL TDOA (Uplink Time Difference Of Arrival) -UL AoA (Angle of Arrival).

[0077] NSACF 312 monitors and controls the number of UEs 10 registered for each network slice, the number of established PDU sessions, and the number of UEs 10 establishing one or more PDU sessions. This allows NSACF 312 to apply admission control to prevent congestion in each network slice. NSACF 312 also supports notification and reporting of the status of network slices in response to events to each NF.

[0078] One of the requirements for network slices is to ensure isolation between them. In particular, when multiple network slices are supported within limited radio resources, admission control is applied to prevent congestion in each network slice so as not to affect other network slices.

[0079] The NSSF 304 has the functionality for selecting a network slice.

[0080] Namf is a service-based interface provided by the AMF 301. Nsmf is a service-based interface provided by the SMF 306. Nnef is a service-based interface provided by the NEF 302.

[0081] Npcf is a service-based interface provided by the PCF 305. Nudm is a service-based interface provided by the UDM 307. Naf is a service-based interface provided by the AF 308. Nnrf is a service-based interface provided by the NRF 303.

[0082] Nnssf is a service-based interface provided by the NSSF 304. Nausf is a service-based interface provided by the AUSF 309. Nucmf is a service-based interface provided by the UCMF 310.

[0083] Nlmf is a service-based interface provided by the LMF 311. Nnsacf is a service-based interface provided by the NSACF 312.

[0084] Each NF can request or subscribe to a service provided by another network function and receive a response or notification from the service. That is, each NF exchanges information with other NFs by means of request / response or subscribe / notification via each service-based interface.

[0085] A UPF (User Plane Function) 330 has a function of processing the user plane. A DN (Data Network) 340 has a function of enabling connection to a mobile network operator (MNO)'s (Mobile Network Operator) proprietary service, the Internet, and a third-party service.

[0086] The UPF 330 functions as a forwarding processor for user plane data processed by the application server 40. The UPF 330 also functions as a gateway connected to the (R)AN 20.

[0087] Here, 5GS can configure each NF of 5GC 30 using virtualization or a container and implement it on a cloud server. Furthermore, 5GS can set each NF dynamically and reconfigurably using SDN (Software Defined Network).

[0088] The (R)AN 20 has a function that enables connection with the RAN and connection with ANs other than the RAN. The (R)AN 20 includes a base station called a gNB or ng-eNB. The RAN is sometimes called an NG (Next Generation)-RAN.

[0089] The functions of (R)AN 20 are divided into a CU (Central Unit) that processes L2 / L3 functions above the PDCP (Packet Data Convergence Protocol) sublayer, and a DU (Distributed Unit) that processes L2 / L1 functions below the RLC (Radio Link Control) sublayer. The functions of (R)AN 20 can be distributed and arranged via an F1 interface.

[0090] Furthermore, the functions of the DU are divided into an RU (Radio Unit) that processes the LOW PHY sublayer and radio section, and a DU that processes the RLC, MAC (Medium Access Control), and HIGH PHY sublayers.

[0091] The RU functionality may be distributed over, for example, an evolved Common Public Radio Interface (eCPRI) compliant fronthaul.

[0092] Here, 5GS can configure the functions of the CU and / or DU using virtualization or containers and implement them on a cloud server. Furthermore, 5GS can use SDN to dynamically and reconfigure the functions of the CU and / or DU.

[0093] Between the UE 10 and the AMF 301, information is exchanged via a reference point N1. Between the (R)AN 20 and the AMF 301, information is exchanged via a reference point N2. Between the SMF 306 and the UPF 330, information is exchanged via a reference point N4.

[0094] <2-1-2. Configuration example of information processing device> Next, a configuration example of the information processing device 300 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the information processing device 300 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0095] The information processing device 300 is a device that realizes the functions of the NF and AF 308 of the core network 30 and the application server 40. The information processing device 300 is, for example, a server device. The information processing device 300 may be a device collectively referred to as a cloud server or an edge server.

[0096] As shown in Fig. 4, the information processing device 300 includes a communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, and a control unit 33. Note that the configuration shown in Fig. 4 is a functional configuration, and the hardware configuration may be different from this. Furthermore, the functions of the information processing device 300 may be distributed and implemented in multiple physically separated configurations. For example, the information processing device 300 may be configured by multiple server devices.

[0097] The communication unit 31 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices. The communication unit 31 may be a network interface or a device connection interface. For example, the communication unit 31 may be a LAN (Local Area Network) interface such as a NIC (Network Interface Card), or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface configured with a USB host controller, a USB port, etc. The communication unit 31 may also be a wired interface or a wireless interface. The communication unit 31 functions as a communication means of the information processing device 300. The communication unit 31 communicates with the base station 20, other NF nodes, and AN nodes under the control of the control unit 33.

[0098] The storage unit 32 is a data readable / writable storage device such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a flash memory, a hard disk, etc. The storage unit 32 functions as a storage means of the information processing device 300.

[0099] The control unit 33 is a controller that controls each unit of the information processing device 300. The control unit 33 is realized by a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), or a graphics processing unit (GPU). For example, the control unit 33 is realized by a processor executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the information processing device 300 using a random access memory (RAM) or the like as a working area. The control unit 33 may also be realized by an integrated circuit such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The CPU, MPU, GPU, ASIC, and FPGA can all be considered as controllers.

[0100] <2-1-3. Example of Base Station Configuration> Next, the base station 20 will be described. The base station 20 is a communication device that operates a cell and provides wireless communication services to one or more wireless communication devices 10 located within the coverage of the cell. The cell is operated according to any wireless communication method, such as LTE or NR. The base station 20 is connected to a core network 30. The core network 30 is connected to a packet data network via a gateway device. Furthermore, the base station 20 operates beams that can be identified by SSB (Synchronization Signal / PBCH Block), and transmits and receives data to and from one or more wireless communication devices 10 via one or more beams.

[0101] Note that the base station 20 may be configured as a collection of multiple physical or logical devices. For example, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the base station 20 may be divided into multiple devices, a baseband unit (BBU) and a radio unit (RU), and may be interpreted as a collection of these multiple devices. Additionally or alternatively, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the base station 20 may be either or both of a BBU and an RU. The BBU and the RU may be connected via a predetermined interface (e.g., eCPRI). Additionally or alternatively, the RU may be referred to as a remote radio unit (RRU) or a radio DoT (RD). Additionally or alternatively, the RU may correspond to a gNB-DU (gNB-DU) described later. Additionally or alternatively, the BBU may correspond to a gNB-CU (gNB-CU) described later. Alternatively, the RU may be connected to a gNB-DU (gNB-DU) described later. Furthermore, the BBU may correspond to a combination of a gNB-CU and a gNB-DU (gNB-DU) described later. Additionally or alternatively, the RU may be a device integrally formed with an antenna. The antennas of the base station 20 (e.g., antennas integrally formed with the RUs) may employ an Advanced Antenna System and support MIMO (e.g., FD-MIMO) and beamforming. In the Advanced Antenna System, the antennas of the base station 20 (e.g., antennas integrally formed with the RUs) may include, for example, 64 transmitting antenna ports and 64 receiving antenna ports.

[0102] Furthermore, multiple base stations 20 may be connected to each other. One or more base stations 20 may be included in a Radio Access Network (RAN). That is, the base station 20 may simply be referred to as a RAN, a RAN node, an Access Network (AN), or an AN node. The RAN in LTE is called an Enhanced Universal Terrestrial RAN (EUTRAN). The RAN in NR is called an NGRAN. The RAN in W-CDMA (UMTS) is called a UTRAN. The base station 20 in LTE is called an eNodeB (Evolved Node B) or eNB. That is, the EUTRAN includes one or more eNodeBs (eNBs). Furthermore, the base station 20 in NR is called a gNodeB or gNB. That is, the NGRAN includes one or more gNBs. Furthermore, the EUTRAN may include a gNB (en-gNB) connected to a core network (EPC) in an LTE communication system (EPS). Similarly, the NGRAN may include an ng-eNB connected to a core network (5GC) in a 5G communication system (5GS). Additionally or alternatively, if the base station 20 is an eNB, gNB, or the like, it may be referred to as a 3GPP access. Additionally or alternatively, if the base station 20 is a wireless access point (e.g., a WiFi (registered trademark) access point), it may be referred to as a non-3GPP access. Additionally or alternatively, the base station 20 may be an optical extension device called an RRH (Remote Radio Head). Additionally or alternatively, if the base station 20 is a gNB, it may be referred to as a combination of the aforementioned gNB CU (Central Unit) and gNB DU (Distributed Unit), or as either one of them. The gNB CU (Central Unit) hosts multiple upper layers (e.g., RRC, SDAP, PDCP) in the Access Stratum for communication with the UE 10. On the other hand, the gNB-DU hosts multiple lower layers (e.g., RLC, MAC, PHY) in the Access Stratum.That is, among the messages and information described below, RRC signaling (e.g., various SIBs including MIB and SIB1, RRC Setup message, RRC Reconfiguration message) may be generated by the gNB CU, while the DCI and various physical channels (e.g., PDCCH and PBCH) described below may be generated by the gNB-DU. Alternatively, among the RRC signaling, some configuration (setting information), such as IE:cellGroupConfig, may be generated by the gNB-DU, and the remaining configuration may be generated by the gNB-CU. These configurations (setting information) may be transmitted and received via the F1 interface described below. A base station 20 may be configured to be able to communicate with other base stations 20. For example, when multiple base stations 20 are eNBs or a combination of an eNB and an en-gNB, the base stations 20 may be connected to each other via an X2 interface. Additionally or alternatively, when multiple base stations 20 are gNBs or a combination of an ng-eNB and a gNB, the devices may be connected to each other via an Xn interface. Additionally or alternatively, when the multiple base stations 20 are a combination of a gNB Central Unit (CU) and a gNB Distributed Unit (DU), the devices may be connected via the F1 interface described above. Messages and information (RRC signaling or DCI information, physical channel) described below may be communicated between the multiple base stations 20 (e.g., via the X2, Xn, or F1 interface).

[0103] Furthermore, as described above, the base station 20 may be configured to manage multiple cells. A cell provided by the base station 20 is called a serving cell. The serving cell includes a PCell (Primary Cell) and an SCell (Secondary Cell). When dual connectivity (e.g., EUTRA-EUTRA Dual Connectivity, EUTRA-NR Dual Connectivity (ENDC), EUTRA-NR Dual Connectivity with 5GC, NR-EUTRA Dual Connectivity (NEDC), NR-NR Dual Connectivity) is provided to a UE (e.g., the wireless communication device 10), the PCell and zero or one or more SCell(s) provided by a Master Node (MN) are called a Master Cell Group. Furthermore, the serving cell may include a PSCell (Primary Secondary Cell or Primary SCG Cell). That is, when dual connectivity is provided to the UE 10, the PSCell and zero or one or more SCell(s) provided by a Secondary Node (SN) are called a Secondary Cell Group (SCG). Unless special configuration (e.g., PUCCH on SCell) is performed, the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) is transmitted on the PCell and PSCell, but not on the SCell. Furthermore, radio link failure is detected on the PCell and PSCell, but not on the SCell (it does not need to be detected). Since the PCell and PSCell thus play special roles among the serving cell(s), they are also called special cells (SpCells). One cell may be associated with one downlink component carrier and one uplink component carrier. Furthermore, the system bandwidth corresponding to one cell may be divided into multiple bandwidth parts.In this case, one or more Bandwidth Parts (BWP) may be configured in the UE 10, and one Bandwidth Part may be used as an Active BWP by the UE 10. Furthermore, the radio resources (e.g., frequency band, numerology (subcarrier spacing), slot format (Slot configuration)) that the radio communication device 10 can use may differ for each cell, each component carrier, or each BWP.

[0104] 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the base station 20 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The base station 20 is a communication device (wireless system) that wirelessly communicates with the wireless communication device 10. The base station 20 is a type of information processing device.

[0105] The base station 20 includes a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, a network communication unit 23, and a control unit 24. Note that the configuration shown in FIG. 5 is a functional configuration, and the hardware configuration may be different. Furthermore, the functions of the base station 20 may be distributed and implemented in multiple physically separated devices. For example, as described above, the functions of the base station 20 are distributed to the CU and DU, or to the CU, DU, and RU.

[0106] The communication unit 21 is a wireless communication interface (signal processing unit) that communicates wirelessly with other communication devices (for example, the wireless communication device 10 and other base stations 20). The communication unit 21 is a wireless transceiver that operates under the control of the control unit 24. The communication unit 21 may be compatible with multiple wireless access methods. For example, the communication unit 21 may be compatible with both NR and LTE. The communication unit 21 may be compatible with other cellular communication methods such as W-CDMA and cdma2000. Furthermore, the communication unit 21 may be compatible with a wireless LAN communication method in addition to the cellular communication method. Of course, the communication unit 21 may only be compatible with one wireless access method.

[0107] The communication unit 21 includes a reception processing unit 211, a transmission processing unit 212, and an antenna 213. The communication unit 21 may include a plurality of reception processing units 211, a plurality of transmission processing units 212, and a plurality of antennas 213. Note that, when the communication unit 21 supports a plurality of radio access methods, each unit of the communication unit 21 may be configured individually for each radio access method. For example, when the base station 20 supports NR and LTE, the reception processing unit 211 and the transmission processing unit 212 may be configured individually for NR and LTE.

[0108] The reception processing unit 211 processes an uplink signal received via the antenna 213. The reception processing unit 211 includes a radio reception unit 211a, a demultiplexing unit 211b, a demodulation unit 211c, and a decoding unit 211d.

[0109] The radio receiving unit 211a performs down-conversion, removal of unnecessary frequency components, control of amplification level, quadrature demodulation, conversion to a digital signal, removal of guard intervals, extraction of frequency domain signals by fast Fourier transform, etc. on the uplink signal. For example, assume that the radio access method of the base station 20 is a cellular communication method such as LTE. In this case, the demultiplexing unit 211b separates uplink channels such as PUSCH (Physical Uplink Shared Channel) and PUCCH (Physical Uplink Control Channel) and uplink reference signals from the signal output from the radio receiving unit 211a. The demodulating unit 211c demodulates the received signal using a modulation method such as BPSK (Binary Phase Shift Keying) or QPSK (Quadrature Phase Shift Keying) for the modulation symbols of the uplink channel. The modulation scheme used by the demodulator 211c may be multi-level QAM such as 16QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation), 64QAM, or 256QAM. The decoder 211d performs decoding processing on the coded bits of the demodulated uplink channel. The decoded uplink data and uplink control information are output to the controller 24.

[0110] The transmission processing unit 212 performs processing for transmitting downlink control information and downlink data, and includes an encoding unit 212a, a modulation unit 212b, a multiplexing unit 212c, and a radio transmission unit 212d.

[0111] The encoder 212a encodes the downlink control information and downlink data input from the controller 24 using a coding method such as block coding, convolutional coding, or turbo coding. Here, the encoding may be performed using a polar code or a low-density parity check code (LDPC). The modulator 212b modulates the coded bits output from the encoder 212a using a predetermined modulation method such as BPSK, QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM, or 256QAM. The multiplexer 212c multiplexes the modulation symbols of each channel and the downlink reference signal and allocates the multiplexed symbols to predetermined resource elements. The radio transmitter 212d performs various signal processing on the signal from the multiplexer 212c. For example, the radio transmitter 212d performs processing such as conversion to the frequency domain using a fast Fourier transform, addition of a guard interval, generation of a baseband digital signal, conversion to an analog signal, quadrature modulation, up-conversion, removal of unnecessary frequency components, and power amplification. The signal generated by the transmission processing unit 212 is transmitted from an antenna 213 .

[0112] The storage unit 22 is a data readable / writable storage device such as a DRAM, an SRAM, a flash memory, a hard disk, etc. The storage unit 22 functions as a storage means of the base station 20.

[0113] The network communication unit 23 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices (e.g., other base stations 20). For example, the network communication unit 23 is a LAN interface such as a NIC. The network communication unit 23 may be a USB interface configured with a USB host controller, a USB port, etc. The network communication unit 23 may also be a wired interface or a wireless interface. The network communication unit 23 functions as a network communication means of the base station 20. The network communication unit 23 communicates with other devices under the control of the control unit 24.

[0114] The control unit 24 is a controller that controls each unit of the base station 20. The control unit 24 is realized by a processor such as a CPU, an MPU, or a GPU. For example, the control unit 24 is realized by a processor executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the base station 20 using a RAM or the like as a working area. The control unit 24 may also be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. A CPU, an MPU, a GPU, an ASIC, and an FPGA can all be considered as controllers.

[0115] <2-1-4. Configuration Example of Wireless Communication Device> A configuration example of the wireless communication device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described using Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the wireless communication device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0116] The wireless communication device 10 is a wireless communication device that, for example, wirelessly communicates with a base station 20. The wireless communication device 10 is, for example, a mobile phone, a smart device (smartphone or tablet), a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or a personal computer. The wireless communication device 10 may be a wearable device such as a head-mounted display, VR goggles, or smart glasses that has the function of transmitting and receiving data wirelessly. The wireless communication device 10 may also be a mobile terminal such as a portable game console.

[0117] The wireless communication device 10 may also be capable of sidelink communication with other wireless communication devices 10. The wireless communication device 10 may use an automatic retransmission technique such as Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest (HARQ) when performing sidelink communication. The wireless communication device 10 may also be capable of NOMA (Non Orthogonal Multiple Access) communication with the base station 20. Note that the wireless communication device 10 may also be capable of NOMA communication in communication (sidelink) with other wireless communication devices 10. The wireless communication device 10 may also be capable of LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) communication with other communication devices (e.g., base stations 20 and other wireless communication devices 10). Alternatively, the wireless communication used by the wireless communication device 10 may be wireless communication using millimeter waves. Note that the wireless communication (including sidelink communication) used by the wireless communication device 10 may be wireless communication using radio waves or wireless communication using infrared or visible light (optical wireless).

[0118] The wireless communication device 10 may simultaneously connect to multiple base stations 20 or multiple cells to perform communication. For example, if one base station 20 can provide multiple cells, the wireless communication device 10 can perform carrier aggregation by using one cell as a PCell and another cell as an SCell. Furthermore, if multiple base stations 20 can each provide one or multiple cells, the wireless communication device 10 can realize DC (Dual Connectivity) by using one or multiple cells managed by one base station 20 (MN (e.g., MeNB or MgNB)) as a PCell, or a PCell and SCell(s), and using one or multiple cells managed by the other base station 20 (SN (e.g., SeNB or SgNB)) as a PCell (PSCell), or a PCell (PSCell) and SCell(s). DC may also be referred to as MC (Multi Connectivity).

[0119] When a communication area is supported via cells of different base stations 20 (multiple cells having different cell identifiers or the same cell identifier), the multiple cells can be bundled together using carrier aggregation (CA), dual connectivity (DC), or multi-connectivity (MC) technology to enable communication between the base station 20 and the wireless communication device 10. Alternatively, the wireless communication device 10 can communicate with the multiple base stations 20 via the cells of the different base stations 20 using coordinated multi-point transmission and reception (CoMP) technology.

[0120] The wireless communication device 10 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, a network communication unit 13, an input / output unit 14, and a control unit 15. Note that the configuration shown in Fig. 6 is a functional configuration, and the hardware configuration may be different from this. Furthermore, the functions of the wireless communication device 10 may be distributed and implemented in multiple physically separated components.

[0121] The communication unit 11 is a signal processing unit for wireless communication with other wireless communication devices (for example, the base station 20 and other wireless communication devices 10). The communication unit 11 operates under the control of the control unit 15. The communication unit 11 may be a wireless transceiver compatible with one or more wireless access methods. For example, the communication unit 11 is compatible with both NR and LTE. The communication unit 11 may be compatible with W-CDMA and cdma2000 in addition to NR and LTE. The communication unit 11 may also be compatible with communication using NOMA.

[0122] The communication unit 11 includes a reception processing unit 111, a transmission processing unit 112, and an antenna 113. The communication unit 11 may include a plurality of reception processing units 111, a plurality of transmission processing units 112, and a plurality of antennas 113. The configurations of the communication unit 11, the reception processing units 111, the transmission processing units 112, and the antennas 113 are similar to those of the communication unit 21, the reception processing unit 211, the transmission processing unit 212, and the antenna 214 of the base station 20.

[0123] The storage unit 12 is a data readable / writable storage device such as a DRAM, an SRAM, a flash memory, a hard disk, etc. The storage unit 12 functions as a storage means of the wireless communication device 10.

[0124] The network communication unit 13 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices connected via a network. For example, the network communication unit 13 is a LAN interface such as a NIC. The network communication unit 13 may be a wired interface or a wireless interface. The network communication unit 13 functions as a network communication means of the wireless communication device 10. The network communication unit 13 communicates with other devices under the control of the control unit 15.

[0125] The input / output unit 14 is a user interface for exchanging information with a user. For example, the input / output unit 14 is an operation device such as a keyboard, a mouse, operation keys, or a touch panel that allows a user to perform various operations. Alternatively, the input / output unit 14 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electroluminescence display (OLED). The input / output unit 14 may be an audio device such as a microphone, a speaker, or a buzzer. The input / output unit 14 may also be a lighting device such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamp. The input / output unit 14 functions as input / output means (input means, output means, operation means, or notification means) of the wireless communication device 10. For example, if the wireless communication device 10 is a sensor or the like, the input / output unit 14 may be omitted.

[0126] The control unit 15 is a controller that controls each unit of the wireless communication device 10. The control unit 15 is realized by a processor such as a CPU, an MPU, or a GPU. For example, the control unit 15 is realized by a processor executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the wireless communication device 10 using a RAM or the like as a work area. The control unit 15 may also be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. The CPU, MPU, GPU, ASIC, and FPGA can all be considered as controllers.

[0127] Here, a description will be given of an example of the signal processing circuit 100 included in the wireless communication device 10. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the signal processing circuit 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0128] The signal processing circuit 100 is realized, for example, as part of the function of the communication unit 11 of the wireless communication device 10. For example, if the communication unit 11 of the wireless communication device 10 has the same configuration as the communication unit 21 of the base station 20, the signal processing circuit 100 corresponds to the wireless receiving unit 211a and the wireless transmitting unit 212d.

[0129] Although the signal processing circuit 100 included in the wireless communication device 10 will be described here, the communication unit 21 of the base station 20 may also have a signal processing circuit similar to the signal processing circuit 100 of FIG.

[0130] 7, the signal processing circuit 100 includes a first transmission / reception circuit 110-1, a second transmission / reception circuit 110-2, and a baseband processing unit 150. Note that since the first transmission / reception circuit 110-1 and the second transmission / reception circuit 110-2 have the same configuration, only the configuration of the first transmission / reception circuit 110-1 will be described here, and a description of the second transmission / reception circuit 110-2 will be omitted.

[0131] The first transmission / reception circuit 110-1 includes a first transmission circuit 120-1, a first reception circuit 130-1, a first antenna 113-1, and an antenna switch 140-1.

[0132] The baseband processing unit 150 performs baseband processing on the transmission and reception signals. For example, the baseband processing unit 150 performs Fourier transform to convert the transmission signals into the frequency domain, adds guard intervals, and so on, to generate digital in-phase (I) / quadrature-phase (Q) baseband signals.

[0133] The baseband processing unit 150 performs operations on the digital I / Q received signal, such as removing guard intervals and extracting frequency domain signals by Fourier transform.

[0134] The first transmission circuit 120-1 includes a D / A converter (DAC) 121-1, a low path filter (LPF) 122-1, an auto gain control (AGC) amplifier 123-1, an upconverter 124-1, a band path filter (BPF) 125-1, and a power amplifier (PA) 126-1.

[0135] The D / A converter 121-1 converts the digital I / Q baseband signal into an analog I / Q baseband signal. The LPF 122-1 filters a signal of a predetermined frequency from the analog I / Q baseband signal. The AGC amplifier 123-1 amplifies the filtered I / Q baseband signal.

[0136] The upconverter 124-1 performs I / Q modulation to generate a signal in the RF (Radio Frequency) band (RF signal). The BPF 125-1 filters a signal of a predetermined frequency from the RF signal. The PA 126-1 amplifies the filtered RF signal.

[0137] The RF signal amplified by the PA 126-1 is transmitted from the first antenna 113-1 via the antenna switch 140-1.

[0138] A signal received by the first antenna 113-1 is input to the first receiving circuit 130-1 via the antenna switch 140-1. The first receiving circuit 130-1 includes a BPF 131-1, an LNA 132-1, a downconverter 133-1, an LPF 134-1, an AGC amplifier 135-1, and an A / D converter (ADC) 136-1.

[0139] A signal (RF signal) input to the first receiving circuit 130-1 is filtered (filtered) by a BPF 131-1 to remove signals of a predetermined frequency. The filtered RF signal is amplified by an LNA 132-1. The amplified RF signal is I / Q demodulated by a downconverter 133-1 and converted into an I / Q baseband signal.

[0140] The I / Q baseband signal is filtered by the LPF 134-1 to remove signals of a predetermined frequency. The filtered I / Q baseband signal is amplified by the AGC amplifier 135-1. The amplified I / Q baseband signal is converted into a digital I / Q baseband signal by the A / D converter 136-1 and input to the baseband processing unit 150.

[0141] The antenna switch 140-1 switches the circuit connected to the first antenna 113-1 between the first transmitting circuit 120-1 and the first receiving circuit 130-1. That is, the first transmitting / receiving circuit 110-1 transmits and receives signals in TDD.

[0142] The operation of the first transmission / reception circuit 110-1 is not limited to TDD operation, and the first transmission / reception circuit 110-1 may perform FDD operation. When the first transmission / reception circuit 110-1 performs FDD operation, the first transmission / reception circuit 110-1 includes, for example, a duplexer instead of the antenna switch 140-1.

[0143] Further, although the configuration in which the first transmission / reception circuit 110-1 employs a direct conversion system has been described here, the configuration of the first transmission / reception circuit 110-1 is not limited to this.

[0144] For example, the first transmission / reception circuit 110-1 may employ a heterodyne system or a superheterodyne system using an intermediate frequency (IF). In this case, the first transmission / reception circuit 110-1 may include a BPF and an AGC amplifier for adjacent channel selection in the IF stage instead of or in addition to the LPF 122-1 and AGC amplifier 123-1 for the I / Q baseband signal.

[0145] Furthermore, although the number of transmission / reception circuits 110 included in the signal processing circuit 100 is set to two here, this number is not limited to two. The number of transmission / reception circuits 110 may be one, or three or more.

[0146] Although the number of first transmission circuits 120-1 and the number of first reception circuits 130-1 included in the first transmission / reception circuit 110-1 are the same here, the number of first transmission circuits 120-1 and the number of first reception circuits 130-1 may be different. For example, the number of first transmission circuits 120-1 may be greater or less than the number of first reception circuits 130-1.

[0147] For example, when the number of first transmission circuits 120-1 and the number of first reception circuits 130-1 are the same, the wireless communication device 10 can achieve the same throughput on both the uplink and the downlink. Furthermore, when the number of first transmission circuits 120-1 is greater than the number of first reception circuits 130-1, the wireless communication device 10 can achieve a higher throughput on the uplink than on the downlink. Furthermore, when the number of first transmission circuits 120-1 is less than the number of first reception circuits 130-1, the wireless communication device 10 can achieve a higher throughput on the downlink than on the uplink.

[0148] The wireless communication device 10 can select the number of first transmitting circuits 120-1 and first receiving circuits 130-1 depending on the throughput required for the uplink and downlink, for example.

[0149] The wireless communication device 10 processes signals in a first band using a first transmission / reception circuit 110-1, and processes signals in a second band different from the first band using a second transmission / reception circuit 110-2.

[0150] When the first band is the TDD band, the first transmitting circuit 120-1 and the first receiving circuit 130-1 are connected to the first antenna 113-1 via the antenna switch 140-1.

[0151] On the other hand, when the first band is the FDD band, the first transmitting circuit 120-1 and the first receiving circuit 130-1 are connected to the first antenna 113-1 via a first duplexer (not shown) instead of the antenna switch 140-1.

[0152] Similarly, when the second band is the TDD band, the second transmitting circuit 120-2 and the second receiving circuit 130-2 are connected to the second antenna 113-2 via the antenna switch 140-2.

[0153] On the other hand, when the second band is the FDD band, the second transmitting circuit 120-2 and the second receiving circuit 130-2 are connected to the second antenna 113-2 via a second duplexer (not shown) instead of the antenna switch 140-2.

[0154] For example, in this embodiment, the first band includes a first fragmented carrier CC1_A and a second fragmented carrier CC2_A, and the second band may include fragmented component carriers.

[0155] <2-2. Processing Example of Communication System> <2-2-1. Connection Processing Example> FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of connection processing according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0156] As shown in FIG. 8, the wireless communication device 10 (UE) in the RRC_IDLE and CM-IDLE states (step S101) performs cell reselection (step S102) and camps on an appropriate cell that satisfies predetermined criteria.

[0157] The wireless communication device 10 transmits an RRC Setup Request message to the base station 20 (RAN / AN) that manages the cell in which the wireless communication device 10 is camped (step S103).

[0158] Upon receiving this, the base station 20 transmits an RRC Setup message to the wireless communication device 10 (step S104). The wireless communication device 10 transitions to an RRC_CONNECTED and CM-IDLE state (step S105), and returns an RRC Setup Complete message to the base station 20 (step S106). This completes the RRC setup process.

[0159] Next, the wireless communication device 10 transmits a PDU (Protocol Data Unit) SESSION ESTABLISHMENT REQUEST message, which is a NAS message, to the AMF 301 (step S107).

[0160] As a result, a PDU session establishment process is executed between the wireless communication device 10 and the DN 340 via the base station 20 and the UPF 330 (step S108). The wireless communication device 10 transitions to an RRC_CONNECTED and CM-CONNECTED state (step S109).

[0161] The AMF 301 sends an INITIAL CONTEXT SETUP REQUEST message to the base station 20 (step S110). The INITIAL CONTEXT SETUP REQUEST message includes a PDU session context, a security key, a UE radio capability, and a UE security capability.

[0162] The base station 20 sets a UE context for the wireless communication device 10 and transmits a SecurityModeCommand message to the wireless communication device 10 (step S111). The SecurityModeCommand message includes an integrity algorithm selected by the base station 20.

[0163] The wireless communication device 10 verifies the integrity of the received SecurityModeCommand message to confirm the validity of the message, and returns a SecurityModeComplete message to the base station 20 (step S112).

[0164] The base station 20 transmits an RRCReconfiguration message to the wireless communication device 10 in order to set up an SRB (Signaling Radio Bearer) 2 and a DRB (Data Radio Bearer) (step S113). Upon receiving this, the wireless communication device 10 returns an RRCReconfigurationComplete message to the base station 20 (step S114). As a result, an SRB 2 and a DRB are established between the wireless communication device 10 and the base station 20.

[0165] The base station 20 transmits an INITIAL CONTEXT SETUP RESPONSE message to the AMF 301 to notify that the UE context configuration process has been completed (step S115).

[0166] 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the addition process according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The addition process shown in Fig. 9 is executed by the wireless communication device 10, for example, as part of the connection process shown in Fig. 8.

[0167] As described above, the first band includes a first fragmented carrier (first sub-component carrier) CC1_A and a second fragmented carrier (second sub-component carrier) CC2_A.

[0168] A wireless communication device 10, which is a UE having a subscription with a first operator (operator A), selects a first base station 20 to be its serving cell, for example by measuring carrier frequencies included in a second band.

[0169] The wireless communication device 10 establishes an RRC connection with the serving cell, where the first base station 20 is a base station belonging to the network of the first operator.

[0170] The wireless communication device 10 notifies the first base station 20 of UE radio capability, for example, during a registration procedure to the network (step S201). In addition, the first base station 20 can acquire UE radio capability information from the wireless communication device 10 while the wireless communication device 10 is in the RRC_CONNECTED or RRC_INACTIVE state.

[0171] Here, the notified UE radio capability includes a band combination consisting of the first band and the second band, and a feature set associated with the first band and the second band.

[0172] The feature set of the first band is assumed to include information indicating support for adjacent channel measurement within a component carrier (e.g., intra-component carrier). Here, this feature set includes information (capability information) indicating support for measurement of a component carrier CC2_B between a first fragmented carrier CC1_A and a second fragmented carrier CC2_A. Hereinafter, the component carrier CC2_B will also be referred to as a second carrier CC2_B.

[0173] The first base station 20 operates as a PCell and configures a second component carrier in a second band for the wireless communication device 10 .

[0174] The notified UE radio capability includes a band combination consisting of the first band and the second band, so that the first base station 20 can further operate as an SCell and configure the first component carrier in the first band for the wireless communication device 10.

[0175] The first base station 20 configures the first fragmented carrier CC1_A as the first component carrier for the wireless communication device 10 in accordance with the notified UE radio capability.

[0176] Upon receiving this instruction, the wireless communication device 10 sets the first fragmented carrier CC1_A as the first component carrier (step S202).

[0177] Here, the first fragmented carrier CC1_A is set as the first component carrier, but the first base station 20 may set the second fragmented carrier CC2_A as the first component carrier.

[0178] The first base station 20 uses RRC signaling to instruct the wireless communication device 10, in which the second component carrier is configured as the PCell, to add the first component carrier as the SCell.

[0179] Upon receiving this instruction, the radio communication device 10 adds the first component carrier as an SCell (step S203).

[0180] Furthermore, the first base station 20 instructs the wireless communication device 10 to configure adjacent channel measurements within a component carrier (e.g., intra-component carrier) according to the notified UE radio capability, using RRC signaling. Here, the first base station 20 instructs the wireless communication device 10 to configure measurements of a second carrier CC2_B between the first fragmented carrier CC1_A and the second fragmented carrier CC2_A.

[0181] As described above, the UE radio capability includes capability information regarding measurement of the received power RSSI (an example of signal strength) of the second carrier CC2_B, and the first base station 20 instructs the first base station 20 to set up measurement of the second carrier CC2_B in accordance with this capability information.

[0182] Upon receiving this instruction, the wireless communication device 10 sets the measurement of adjacent channels according to the UE wireless capability (step S204).

[0183] Here, the second carrier CC2_B is a spectrum in the first band allocated to a second operator (operator B) different from the first operator (operator A). The second operator uses a second base station 20 different from the first base station 20 to transmit and / or receive data using the second carrier CC2_B to other wireless communication devices 10 that have a subscription with the second operator.

[0184] This measurement configuration is provided to the wireless communication device 10 from the first base station 20 using RRCReconfiguration (for example, step S113 of the connection processing shown in FIG. 8) or dedicated signaling such as RRCResume.

[0185] The measurement configuration includes, for example, at least one of measurement objects, reporting configurations, measurement identities, quantity configurations, and measurement gaps.

[0186] The measurement object allows the first base station 20 to indicate the frequency / time position and subcarrier spacing of the reference signal to be measured for intra-frequency and inter-frequency measurements.

[0187] In relation to this measurement object, the network can configure a list of cell-specific offsets, a list of excluded cells and a list of allowed cells. Cells included in the list of excluded cells do not apply to event evaluation or measurement reporting. The list of allowed cells only includes cells that are applicable for event evaluation and measurement reporting.

[0188] For example, when configuring adjacent channel measurement of the above-mentioned intra-component carrier, the first base station 20 indicates the second carrier CC2_B between the first fragmented carrier CC1_A and the second fragmented carrier CC2_A as the measurement target.

[0189] The reporting configuration is a list of reporting configurations, where one or more reporting configurations are possible for each measurement configuration. The measurement reporting configuration includes, for example, at least one of a reporting criterion, a reference signal type (RS type), and a reporting format.

[0190] The reporting criteria is the criteria that triggers the UE to send measurement reports and can be specified as periodic or as a description of a single event.

[0191] For example, suppose that the first base station 20 configures adjacent channel measurement of the intra-component carrier described above. In this case, the first base station 20 may include, in the reporting criteria, information on a threshold value for the received power of the second carrier CC2_B (hereinafter, referred to as the first threshold value Th1) and a hysteresis parameter as information on an event that triggers a measurement report.

[0192] The type of reference signal (RS) is information indicating the reference signal that the UE uses for the measurement results of the cell and beam (i.e., SS / PBCH block or CSI-RS).

[0193] The report format is the cells and quantities per beam (e.g. RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power)) that the UE will include in the measurement report, and other relevant information such as the maximum number of cells to report and the maximum number of beams per cell.

[0194] When configuring the adjacent channel measurement of the above-described intra-component carrier, the first base station 20 may instruct that a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) indicating the received power for the second carrier CC2_B be included in the report format.

[0195] The measurement identity is a list of measurement IDs for measurement reports. Each measurement ID corresponds to one measurement object with one reporting configuration. The first base station 20 associates multiple measurement targets with the same reporting configuration by setting multiple measurement IDs. Furthermore, the first base station 20 associates multiple reporting configurations with the same measurement object by setting multiple measurement IDs.

[0196] The quantity setting defines the measurement filtering settings used for all event evaluation related reporting and periodic reporting of that measurement.

[0197] The measurement gap indicates a period that the UE can use to perform measurements. When configuring adjacent channel measurements for the intra-component carriers as described above, the first base station 20 may include a first measurement period as a measurement period for the second carrier CC2_B in the measurement gap. This first measurement period is different from the first measurement periods of the first fragmented carrier CC1_A and the second fragmented carrier CC2_A.

[0198] The wireless communication device 10 measures the received power RSSI of the second carrier CC2_B as the adjacent channel (step S205).

[0199] The wireless communication device 10 determines whether the received power RSSI is equal to or less than a first threshold Th1 (an example of a set threshold) (step S206). That is, the wireless communication device 10 evaluates (i.e., compares) the received power RSSI with the first threshold Th1.

[0200] If the received power RSSI is not less than the first threshold Th1, i.e., if the received power RSSI is greater than the first threshold Th1 (step S206; No), the wireless communication device 10 returns to step S205 and continues measuring the received power RSSI of the adjacent channel.

[0201] On the other hand, if the received power RSSI is less than or equal to the first threshold Th1 (step S206; Yes), the wireless communication device 10 adds the second fragmented carrier CC2_A to the first component carrier in accordance with instructions from the first base station 20 (step S207).

[0202] For example, when the received power RSSI is equal to or less than a first threshold Th1, the wireless communication device 10 triggers a first event. Here, the first event is, for example, transmitting a notification that the received power RSSI of the second carrier CC2_B is equal to or less than the first threshold Th1 to the first base station 20. This notification may be made via a measurement report.

[0203] Here, the first threshold Th1 may be an absolute value of the received power RSSI of the second carrier CC2_B, or may be a relative value with respect to the first fragmented carrier CC1_A or the second fragmented carrier CC2_A. Also, "equal to or less than the first threshold Th1" may be read as "less than the first threshold Th1."

[0204] Upon receiving the notification from the wireless communication device 10, the first base station 20 uses RRC signaling to instruct the addition of the second fragmented carrier CC2_A to the first component carrier, which is an SCell. In accordance with this instruction, the wireless communication device 10 adds the second fragmented carrier CC2_A to the first component carrier.

[0205] In this case, the wireless communication device 10 sets the first fragmented carrier CC1_A as the first component carrier in step S202, and therefore adds the second fragmented carrier CC2_A to the first component carrier in step S207.

[0206] On the other hand, when the second fragmented carrier CC2_A is set as the first component carrier in step S202, the wireless communication device 10 adds the first fragmented carrier CC1_A to the first component carrier in step S207.

[0207] Thereafter, the wireless communication device 10 transmits and / or receives signals in the band from the first fragmented carrier CC1_A to the second fragmented carrier CC2_A, for example, by the first transceiver circuit 110-1.

[0208] At this time, the wireless communication device 10 also receives a signal of the second carrier CC2_B, but the received power RSSI of this signal is small (for example, equal to or less than the first threshold Th1). Therefore, the wireless communication device 10 performs signal processing assuming that there is no signal of the second carrier CC2_B (or that it is a null signal (empty signal)).

[0209] This allows the wireless communication device 10 to transmit and / or receive signals in the band from the first fragmented carrier CC1_A to the second fragmented carrier CC2_A using the first transceiver circuit 110-1, thereby further improving communication efficiency.

[0210] Fig. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a signaling flow according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The signaling flow shown in Fig. 10 is executed between the wireless communication device 10 and the first base station 20 when, for example, it is determined in step S206 of Fig. 9 that the received power RSSI is equal to or less than the first threshold Th1 and a first event is triggered.

[0211] When the wireless communication device 10 triggers a first event in accordance with the judgment result of step S206, it transmits a measurement report to the first base station 20 including a notification that the received power RSSI of the second carrier CC2_B is less than or equal to the first threshold Th1 (step S301).

[0212] Upon receiving the measurement report, the first base station 20 determines to add the second fragmented carrier CC2_A to the first component carrier (step S302).

[0213] The first base station 20 transmits an RRCReconfiguration message including an instruction to add the second fragmented carrier CC2_A to the first component carrier to the wireless communication device 10 (step S303).

[0214] When the wireless communication device 10 receives the RRCReconfiguration message from the first base station 20, it adds the second fragmented carrier CC2_A to the first component carrier in accordance with this instruction (step S304) and returns an RRCReconfigurationComplete message to the first base station 20 (step S305).

[0215] As a result, when the interference caused by the second carrier CC2_B is equal to or less than the first threshold Th1 (i.e., at an acceptable level), the first base station 20 can use the first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A and CC2_A as the first component carrier. Note that the first component carrier is an SCell for the wireless communication device 10.

[0216] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the release process according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The release process shown in Fig. 11 is executed by the wireless communication device 10 when the second fragmented carrier CC2_A is added to the first component carrier by the addition process shown in Fig. 9, for example.

[0217] First, the wireless communication device 10 measures the received power RSSI of the adjacent channel, i.e., the second carrier CC2_B (step S401). The wireless communication device 10 measures the received power RSSI according to the settings made in step S204 of FIG. 9, for example.

[0218] Next, the wireless communication device 10 determines whether the measured received power RSSI is equal to or greater than a second threshold Th2 (an example of a release threshold) (step S402). That is, the wireless communication device 10 evaluates (i.e., compares) the received power RSSI with the second threshold Th2.

[0219] Here, the second threshold Th2 is a threshold generated by, for example, the threshold (first threshold Th1) included in the above-mentioned reporting standard and information related to the hysteresis parameter. The second threshold Th2 may be an absolute value of the received power RSSI of the second carrier CC2_B, or a relative value with respect to the first fragmented carrier CC1_A or the second fragmented carrier CC2_A.

[0220] If the received power RSSI is not greater than or equal to the second threshold Th2, i.e., if the received power RSSI is less than the second threshold Th2 (step S402; No), the wireless communication device 10 returns to step S401 and continues measuring the received power RSSI of the adjacent channel.

[0221] On the other hand, if the received power RSSI is greater than or equal to the second threshold Th2 (step S402; Yes), the wireless communication device 10 releases the second fragmented carrier CC2_A from the first component carrier in accordance with instructions from the first base station 20 (step S403).

[0222] For example, when the received power RSSI is equal to or greater than a second threshold Th2, the wireless communication device 10 triggers a second event. Here, the second event is, for example, transmitting a notification that the received power RSSI of the second carrier CC2_B is equal to or greater than the second threshold Th2 to the first base station 20. This notification may be made via a measurement report.

[0223] Here, "equal to or greater than the second threshold Th2" may be read as "greater than the second threshold Th2."

[0224] Upon receiving the notification from the wireless communication device 10, the first base station 20 uses RRC signaling to instruct the release of the second fragmented carrier CC2_A from the first component carrier, which is an SCell. In accordance with this instruction, the wireless communication device 10 releases the second fragmented carrier CC2_A from the first component carrier.

[0225] Here, the wireless communication device 10 adds the second fragmented carrier CC2_A to the first component carrier in step S207, and therefore releases the second fragmented carrier CC2_A from the first component carrier.

[0226] On the other hand, if the first fragmented carrier CC1_A is added as the first component carrier in step S207, the wireless communication device 10 releases the first fragmented carrier CC1_A from the first component carrier.

[0227] Alternatively, the wireless communication device 10 may release, for example, a fragmented carrier specified by the first base station 20 (the first fragmented carrier CC1_A or the second fragmented carrier CC2_A) from the first component carrier, regardless of the fragmented carrier added in step S207.

[0228] Thereafter, the wireless communication device 10 transmits and / or receives a signal of the first fragmented carrier CC1_A (or the second fragmented carrier CC2_A) by, for example, the first transceiver circuit 110-1.

[0229] As a result, when the interference from the second carrier CC2_B is equal to or greater than the second threshold Th2 (i.e., the interference level), the first base station 20 can use the first fragmented carrier CC1_A or the second fragmented carrier CC2_A as the first component carrier.

[0230] After releasing the second fragmented carrier CC2_A, the wireless communication device 10 may execute part of the adding process (e.g., the process after step S204) shown in Fig. 9. When the signal strength (received power RSSI) of the second carrier CC2_B drops to an acceptable level, the wireless communication device 10 may add the second fragmented carrier CC2_A to the first component carrier again.

[0231] In this way, the wireless communication device 10 can add / release the second fragmented carrier CC2_A in accordance with instructions from the first base station 20, depending on the signal strength (received power RSSI) of the second carrier CC2_B.

[0232] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the communication system performs carrier aggregation (CA) using the first band including fragmented carriers as an SCell, but the present embodiment is not limited to this.

[0233] Alternatively, for example, the technology according to this embodiment may also be applied to a case where a communication system performs carrier aggregation using a first band including fragmented carriers as a PCell and a second band different from the first band as an SCell.

[0234] In this case, the first base station 20 instructs the wireless communication device 10 to add / release the first fragmented carrier CC1_A or the second fragmented carrier CC2_A to / from the first component carrier, which is the PCell.

[0235] Alternatively, the technology according to this embodiment can also be applied to a case where the first band and the second band are not carrier aggregated.

[0236] In addition, in this embodiment, the wireless communication device 10 sets up measurement of the second carrier CC2_B that is subject to interference with fragmented carriers consisting of the first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A and CC2_A, but this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0237] Alternatively, when the wireless communication device 10 detects interference from an interfered component carrier, the wireless communication device 10 may notify the occurrence of interference as support information to the first base station 20. In this case, the first base station 20 may provide the wireless communication device 10 with, for example, information on fragmented carriers and information on the interfered component carrier.

[0238] Here, the information on fragmented carriers is information on the first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A and CC2_A, and the information on the interfered component carrier is information on the second carrier CC2_B.

[0239] The occurrence of interference can also be detected by a degradation in the sensitivity of signals received on fragmented carriers.

[0240] Upon receiving notification of the occurrence of interference from the wireless communication device 10, the first base station 20 switches from a state in which fragmented carriers (first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A, CC2_A) are configured as one component carrier to a state in which one fragmented carrier (first fragmented carrier CC1_A or second fragmented carrier CC2_A) is configured as one component carrier.

[0241] Furthermore, the wireless communication device 10 may provide information indicating a capability for notifying of interference caused by an interfered component carrier to fragmented carriers (hereinafter also referred to as a notification capability) to the first base station 20. The information indicating the notification capability may be sent as part of the UE radio capability.

[0242] The first base station 20 configures fragmented carriers (first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A, CC2_A) as one component carrier for the wireless communication device 10 having the notification capability.

[0243] On the other hand, the first base station 20 configures one fragmented carrier (the first fragmented carrier CC1_A or the second fragmented carrier CC2_A) as one component carrier for the wireless communication device 10 that does not have the notification capability.

[0244] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which the first base station 20 provides a first component carrier in a first band and a second component carrier in a second band, but this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0245] For example, a first base station 20 may provide a first component carrier, and a third base station 20 different from the first base station 20 may provide a second component carrier. That is, the communication system may set multi-connectivity between the first base station 20 and the third base station 20 in the wireless communication device 10. In this case, in this embodiment, the first component carrier operating as an SCell or the second component carrier operates as a PSCell (Primary Secondary Cell).

[0246] Furthermore, the third base station 20 may be a base station that supports a different RAT (Radio Access Technology) from that of the first base station 20. In this case, the communication system may set multi-connectivity between the first base station 20 and the third base station 20 in the wireless communication device 10.

[0247] On the other hand, if the third base station 20 is a base station that supports the same RAT as the first base station 20, the communication system may configure the wireless communication device 10 to configure carrier aggregation between the first base station 20 and the third base station 20.

[0248] In addition, the number of bands for which carrier aggregation or multi-connectivity is configured is not limited to 2, and may be 3 or more. Furthermore, the number of fragmented carriers constituting fragmented carriers is not limited to 2, and may be 3 or more.

[0249] The number of fragmented carriers that the wireless communication device 10 can support may be defined by a feature set for each band, and may be notified to the network side by the UE radio capabilities.

[0250] <<3. Second embodiment>> In the first embodiment described above, the first base station 20 notifies the wireless communication device 10 of the addition and / or release of the second fragmented carrier CC2_A to the first component carrier by using RRC signaling. In the second embodiment, the first base station 20 notifies the wireless communication device 10 of the addition and / or release of the fragmented carrier by using L1 signaling.

[0251] The configuration of the communication system in the second embodiment is the same as that of the communication system in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0252] <3-1. Processing example of communication system> <3-1-1. Example of additional processing> Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of additional processing according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. The additional processing shown in Fig. 12 is executed by the wireless communication device 10, for example, as part of the connection processing shown in Fig. 8.

[0253] The first band includes a first fragmented carrier (first sub-component carrier) CC1_A and a second fragmented carrier (second sub-component carrier) CC2_A.

[0254] A wireless communication device 10, which is a UE having a subscription with a first operator (operator A), selects a first base station 20 to be its serving cell, for example by measuring carrier frequencies included in a second band.

[0255] The wireless communication device 10 establishes an RRC connection with the serving cell, where the first base station 20 is a base station belonging to the network of the first operator.

[0256] The wireless communication device 10 notifies the first base station 20 of the UE radio capability during, for example, a registration procedure to the network (step S501). In addition, the first base station 20 can acquire the UE radio capability information from the wireless communication device 10 while the wireless communication device 10 is in the RRC_CONNECTED or RRC_INACTIVE state.

[0257] Here, the notified UE radio capability includes a band combination consisting of the first band and the second band, and a feature set associated with the first band and the second band.

[0258] It is assumed that the feature set of the first band includes information indicating support for adjacent channel measurement within a component carrier (e.g., intra-component carrier). Here, this feature set includes information indicating support for measurement of a component carrier CC2_B between a first fragmented carrier CC1_A and a second fragmented carrier CC2_A. Hereinafter, the component carrier CC2_B will also be referred to as a second carrier CC2_B.

[0259] The first base station 20 operates as a PCell and configures a second component carrier in a second band for the wireless communication device 10 .

[0260] The notified UE radio capability includes a band combination consisting of the first band and the second band, so that the first base station 20 can further operate as an SCell and configure the first component carrier in the first band for the wireless communication device 10.

[0261] The first base station 20 configures the first fragmented carrier CC1_A and the second fragmented carrier CC2_A as first component carriers for the wireless communication device 10 in accordance with the notified UE radio capability.

[0262] Upon receiving this instruction, the wireless communication device 10 sets the first fragmented carrier CC1_A and the second fragmented carrier CC2_A as the first component carrier (step S502).

[0263] The first base station 20 uses RRC signaling to instruct the wireless communication device 10, in which the second component carrier is configured as the PCell, to add the first component carrier as the SCell.

[0264] Upon receiving this instruction, the radio communication device 10 adds the first component carrier as an SCell (step S503).

[0265] The first base station 20 uses L1 signaling, for example, DCI (Downlink Control Information), to instruct the first fragmented carrier CC1_A of the first component carrier to be activated, that is, set to active.

[0266] Upon receiving this instruction, the radio communication device 10 activates, that is, sets the first fragmented carrier CC1_A of the first component carrier to active (step S504).

[0267] Here, the first fragmented carrier CC1_A is set to active, but the first base station 20 may set the second fragmented carrier CC2_A to active.

[0268] Furthermore, the first base station 20 instructs the wireless communication device 10 to configure adjacent channel measurements within a component carrier (e.g., intra-component carrier) according to the notified UE radio capability, using RRC signaling. Here, the first base station 20 instructs the wireless communication device 10 to configure measurements of a second carrier CC2_B between the first fragmented carrier CC1_A and the second fragmented carrier CC2_A.

[0269] This measurement configuration is provided to the wireless communication device 10 from the first base station 20 using dedicated signaling such as RRCReconfiguration or RRCResume.

[0270] Upon receiving this instruction, the wireless communication device 10 sets the measurement of adjacent channels according to the UE wireless capability (step S505).

[0271] Here, the second carrier CC2_B is a spectrum in the first band allocated to a second operator (operator B) different from the first operator (operator A). The second operator uses a second base station 20 different from the first base station 20 to transmit and / or receive data using the second carrier CC2_B to other wireless communication devices 10 that have a subscription with the second operator.

[0272] The adjacent channel measurement set here and the settings for this measurement are the same as those in the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0273] The wireless communication device 10 measures the received power RSSI of the second carrier CC2_B as the adjacent channel (step S506).

[0274] The wireless communication device 10 determines whether the received power RSSI is equal to or less than the first threshold Th1 (step S507). That is, the wireless communication device 10 evaluates (i.e., compares) the received power RSSI with the first threshold Th1.

[0275] If the received power RSSI is not less than the first threshold Th1, i.e., if the received power RSSI is greater than the first threshold Th1 (step S507; No), the wireless communication device 10 returns to step S205 and continues measuring the received power RSSI of the adjacent channel.

[0276] On the other hand, if the received power RSSI is less than or equal to the first threshold Th1 (step S507; Yes), the wireless communication device 10 sets the second fragmented carrier CC2_A of the first component carrier to active in accordance with instructions from the first base station 20 (step S508).

[0277] For example, when the received power RSSI is equal to or less than a first threshold Th1, the wireless communication device 10 triggers a first event, where the first event is, for example, transmitting a notification to the first base station 20 that the received power RSSI of the second carrier CC2_B is equal to or less than the first threshold Th1.

[0278] Upon receiving the notification from the wireless communication device 10, the first base station 20 instructs the first base station 20 to set the second fragmented carrier CC2_A of the first component carrier, which is an SCell, to active by using L1 signaling, for example, DCI. In accordance with this instruction, the wireless communication device 10 sets the second fragmented carrier CC2_A to active.

[0279] Here, the wireless communication device 10 sets the first fragmented carrier CC1_A to active in step S504, and therefore sets the second fragmented carrier CC2_A to active in step S508.

[0280] On the other hand, when the second fragmented carrier CC2_A is set to active in step S504, the wireless communication device 10 sets the first fragmented carrier CC1_A to active in step S508.

[0281] Thereafter, the wireless communication device 10 transmits and / or receives signals in the band from the first fragmented carrier CC1_A to the second fragmented carrier CC2_A, for example, by the first transceiver circuit 110-1.

[0282] As a result, when the interference caused by the second carrier CC2_B is equal to or less than the first threshold Th1 (i.e., at an acceptable level), the first base station 20 can use the first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A and CC2_A as the first component carrier. Note that the first component carrier is an SCell for the wireless communication device 10.

[0283] The wireless communication device 10 can transmit and / or receive signals in the band from the first fragmented carrier CC1_A to the second fragmented carrier CC2_A using the first transceiver circuit 110-1, thereby further improving communication efficiency.

[0284] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the release process according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. The release process shown in Fig. 13 is executed by the wireless communication device 10 when the second fragmented carrier CC2_A is set to active by the addition process shown in Fig. 12, for example.

[0285] First, the wireless communication device 10 measures the received power RSSI of the adjacent channel, i.e., the second carrier CC2_B (step S601). The wireless communication device 10 measures the received power RSSI according to the settings made in step S505 of FIG. 12, for example.

[0286] Next, the wireless communication device 10 determines whether the measured received power RSSI is equal to or greater than the second threshold Th2 (step S602). That is, the wireless communication device 10 evaluates (i.e., compares) the received power RSSI with the second threshold Th2.

[0287] If the received power RSSI is not greater than or equal to the second threshold Th2, i.e., if the received power RSSI is less than the second threshold Th2 (step S602; No), the wireless communication device 10 returns to step S601 and continues measuring the received power RSSI of the adjacent channel.

[0288] On the other hand, if the received power RSSI is greater than or equal to the second threshold Th2 (step S602; Yes), the wireless communication device 10 deactivates the second fragmented carrier CC2_A of the first component carrier, i.e., sets it to inactive, in accordance with instructions from the first base station 20 (step S603).

[0289] For example, when the received power RSSI is equal to or greater than a second threshold Th2, the wireless communication device 10 triggers a second event, where the second event is, for example, transmitting a notification to the first base station 20 that the received power RSSI of the second carrier CC2_B is equal to or greater than the second threshold Th2.

[0290] Upon receiving the notification from the wireless communication device 10, the first base station 20 instructs the first base station 20 to set the second fragmented carrier CC2_A, which is an SCell, to inactive using L1 signaling, for example, DCI. The wireless communication device 10 sets the second fragmented carrier CC2_A to inactive in accordance with this instruction.

[0291] Here, the wireless communication device 10 sets the second fragmented carrier CC2_A to active in step S508, and therefore sets the second fragmented carrier CC2_A to inactive.

[0292] On the other hand, if the first fragmented carrier CC1_A is set to active as the first component carrier in step S508, the wireless communication device 10 sets the first fragmented carrier CC1_A to inactive.

[0293] Alternatively, the wireless communication device 10 may set the fragmented carrier specified by the first base station 20 (the first fragmented carrier CC1_A or the second fragmented carrier CC2_A) to inactive, regardless of the fragmented carrier added in step S508.

[0294] Thereafter, the wireless communication device 10 transmits and / or receives a signal of the first fragmented carrier CC1_A (or the second fragmented carrier CC2_A) by, for example, the first transceiver circuit 110-1.

[0295] As a result, when the interference from the second carrier CC2_B is equal to or greater than the second threshold Th2 (i.e., the interference level), the first base station 20 can use the first fragmented carrier CC1_A or the second fragmented carrier CC2_A as the first component carrier.

[0296] After setting the second fragmented carrier CC2_A to inactive, the wireless communication device 10 may execute part of the additional processing (e.g., the processing of step S505) shown in Fig. 12. When the signal strength (received power RSSI) of the second carrier CC2_B drops to an acceptable level, the wireless communication device 10 may set the second fragmented carrier CC2_A to active again.

[0297] In this way, the wireless communication device 10 can set the second fragmented carrier CC2_A to active / inactive in accordance with instructions from the first base station 20, depending on the signal strength (received power RSSI) of the second carrier CC2_B.

[0298] <<4. Third Embodiment>> In the first and second embodiments described above, when the interference level from the second carrier CC2_B is within an acceptable range (acceptable level), the first base station 20 sets the first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A and CC2_A as the first component carrier.

[0299] In the third embodiment, the wireless communication device 10 filters the signal of the second carrier CC2_B, thereby setting the first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A and CC2_A as the first component carrier, regardless of the interference level from the second carrier CC2_B.

[0300] The first transceiver circuit 110-1 of this embodiment has the function of filtering adjacent channels (i.e., the second carrier CC2_B) of an intra-component carrier (i.e., within one component carrier including the first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A and CC2_A) using an I / Q baseband signal (and / or an intermediate frequency stage).

[0301] Here, the adjacent channel filtering function is realized by providing a band elimination filter in the I / Q baseband signal (and / or intermediate frequency stage). Alternatively, the adjacent channel filtering function may be realized by implementing a band elimination filter using a digital filter in the baseband processing unit 150.

[0302] 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the selectivity of the wireless communication device 10 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, the selectivity is an index indicating the extent to which a receiver can separate interference waves and receive a target signal (desired wave) by, for example, filtering. In other words, the adjacent channel selectivity is an index indicating the extent to which a receiver can reduce the interference level of adjacent channels and receive a target signal.

[0303] 14, the wireless communication device 10 filters the second carrier CC2_B between the first fragmented carrier CC1_A and the second fragmented carrier CC2_A. The degree to which the second carrier CC2_B can be reduced relative to the first fragmented carrier CC1_A and the second fragmented carrier CC2_A determines the selectivity for the adjacent channel (i.e., the second carrier CC2_B).

[0304] In order to indicate that the wireless communication device 10 is equipped with a first transceiver circuit 110-1 having such a filtering function, for example, a capability indicating the adjacent channel selectivity of the intra-component carrier (hereinafter also referred to as selectivity capability) may be introduced.

[0305] For example, the wireless communication device 10 may include, in the feature set for the first band, information indicating that the required value of adjacent channel selectivity of the intra-component carrier is met (an example of selectivity capability).

[0306] Here, satisfying the required value means that the received power of the second carrier CC2_B can be suppressed to be equal to or less than the required received power relative to the first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A and CC2_A.

[0307] The communication system of this embodiment instructs a wireless communication device 10 that satisfies the required value of selectivity for the adjacent channel (second carrier CC2_B) of the intra-component carrier (first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A, CC2_A) to perform carrier aggregation of the component carrier composed of the first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A, CC2_A.

[0308] This allows the communication system to further improve the communication efficiency of the wireless communication device 10 that satisfies the required value of adjacent channel selectivity of the intra-component carrier.

[0309] The configuration of the communication system is the same as that of the communication systems according to the first and second embodiments, except that the first transceiver circuit 110-1 of the wireless communication device 10 has the function of filtering adjacent channels, and therefore will not be described further.

[0310] <4-1. Example of processing in communication system> <4-1-1. Example of additional processing> Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of additional processing according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. The additional processing shown in Fig. 15 is executed by the first base station 20, for example, as part of the connection processing shown in Fig. 8.

[0311] As described above, the first band includes a first fragmented carrier (first sub-component carrier) CC1_A and a second fragmented carrier (second sub-component carrier) CC2_A.

[0312] The first base station 20 acquires UE radio capability from the wireless communication device 10 during, for example, a registration procedure to the network (step S701). The UE radio capability includes, for example, selectivity capability (an example of capability information including additional information).

[0313] The first base station 20 determines whether the wireless communication device 10 satisfies the required value of adjacent channel selectivity of the intra-component carrier according to the feature set of the first band (step S702).

[0314] If the required value of the adjacent channel selectivity of the intra-component carrier is not satisfied (step S702; No), the first base station 20 ends the process.

[0315] In this case, as described in the first and second embodiments, the first base station 20 may perform carrier aggregation of the first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A and CC2_A when the interference level of adjacent channels is within an acceptable range. Specifically, the first base station 20 may instruct the wireless communication device 10 to execute the processes from step S202 onwards in Fig. 9 or the processes from step S502 onwards in Fig. 12.

[0316] On the other hand, if the required value of adjacent channel selectivity of the intra-component carrier is met (step S702; Yes), the first base station 20 sets the first fragmented carrier CC1_A and the second fragmented carrier CC2_A as the first component carrier for the wireless communication device 10 (step S703).

[0317] The first base station 20 provides the wireless communication device 10 with neighboring information related to the component carrier that serves as the neighboring channel, that is, the second carrier CC2_B (step S704).

[0318] Here, the adjacent information includes, for example, information related to at least one of frequency information related to center frequency and band information related to bandwidth. The frequency information includes information related to the offset amount of the center frequency of the component carrier serving as an adjacent channel relative to the center frequency of the first component carrier, or information related to the center frequency of the component carrier serving as an adjacent channel. The band information includes information related to the bandwidth of the component carrier serving as an adjacent channel.

[0319] According to the acquired adjacent information, the wireless communication device 10 sets parameters of the filter function of the transmission / reception circuit 110. For example, the wireless communication device 10 sets parameters (for example, the offset amount and bandwidth within the first component carrier) so as to satisfy the selectivity for adjacent channels of the intra-component carrier.

[0320] When the wireless communication device 10 completes the parameter setting, the first base station 20 instructs the wireless communication device 10 to add the first component carrier of the first band set in step S703 as an SCell (step S705).

[0321] As described above, the wireless communication device 10 according to this embodiment notifies the first base station 20 of the selectivity capability indicating the adjacent channel selectivity of the intra-component carrier, for example, by including it in the UE wireless capability.

[0322] This allows the first base station 20 to distinguish between wireless communication devices 10 that meet the selectivity for adjacent channels and wireless communication devices 10 that do not, and enables communication using fragmented carriers efficiently.

[0323] <<5. Fourth embodiment>> In the first to third embodiments described above, the first base station 20 performs carrier aggregation of the first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A, CC2_A depending on the capability of the wireless communication device 10 and / or the interference level of the second carrier CC2_B.

[0324] In the fourth embodiment, the first base station 20 additionally determines whether to perform carrier aggregation of the first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A, CC2_A depending on the power difference between the first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A, CC2_A.

[0325] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a power difference between intra-component carriers according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0326] 16, a signal level difference (power difference) D1 (dB) may occur between the first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A and CC2_A. If this power difference D1 is large, the wireless communication device 10 may not be able to receive at least one of the signals of the first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A and CC2_A.

[0327] For example, if the received power of the first fragmented carrier CC1_A is greater than the received power of the second fragmented carrier CC2_A, when the AGC amplifier 135-1 of the first receiving circuit 130-1 controls the gain according to the power of the first fragmented carrier CC1_A, the signal of the second fragmented carrier CC2_A may not be sufficiently amplified.

[0328] As a result, there is a concern that the S / N (Signal to Noise) ratio of the signal of the second fragmented carrier CC2_A relative to the signal of the first fragmented carrier CC1_A will be degraded, and the required receiving sensitivity may not be obtained.

[0329] It should be noted that such a power difference D1 is likely to occur, for example, when the first base station 20 using the first fragmented carrier CC1_A is different from the first base station 20 using the second fragmented carrier CC2_A.

[0330] In this way, when a power difference D1 occurs between the first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A, CC2_A, the first base station 20 of this embodiment determines whether to perform carrier aggregation of the first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A, CC2_A depending on the power difference D1.

[0331] For example, if the power difference D1 is equal to or less than (or less than) a predetermined threshold, the first base station 20 determines to perform carrier aggregation of the first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A and CC2_A.

[0332] This allows the first base station 20 to further improve communication efficiency while suppressing degradation of the S / N ratio between the first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A and CC2_A.

[0333] The configuration of the communication system in the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the communication system in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0334] <5-1. Processing example of communication system> <5-1-1. Example of additional processing> Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of additional processing according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. The additional processing shown in Fig. 17 is executed by the wireless communication device 10, for example, as part of the connection processing shown in Fig. 8. Note that, of the additional processing shown in Fig. 17, the same processes as the additional processing shown in Fig. 9 are assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0335] In step S203, the wireless communication device 10 that has added the first component carrier as an SCell receives an instruction regarding measurement settings from the first base station 20.

[0336] The first base station 20 according to this embodiment instructs the UE to configure measurements on the second fragmented carrier CC2_A in addition to measurements on the second carrier CC2_B according to the notified UE radio capabilities, and this instruction is provided by using, for example, RRC signaling, specifically, dedicated signaling such as RRCReconfiguration or RRCResume.

[0337] In response to this instruction, the wireless communication device 10 sets up measurements of the adjacent channel (i.e., the second carrier CC2_B) and the first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A and CC2_A (step S801). Note that the measurement settings are similar to those in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described here.

[0338] The wireless communication device 10 measures the received power RSSI of the second carrier CC2_B as the adjacent channel and the received power RSRP of the first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A and CC2_A (step S802).

[0339] The wireless communication device 10 determines whether the received power RSSI is equal to or less than the first threshold Th1 and whether the difference between the received power RSRPs is equal to or less than the third threshold Th3 (step S803). That is, the wireless communication device 10 evaluates (i.e., compares) the received power RSSI with the first threshold Th1, and also evaluates the difference between the received power RSRPs of the first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A and CC2_A (power difference D1) and the third threshold Th3 (an example of a difference setting threshold).

[0340] If the received power RSSI is not equal to or less than the first threshold Th1, or if the difference in received power RSRP is not equal to or less than the third threshold Th3 (step S803; No), the process returns to step S802, and measurement of the received power RSSI and RSRP continues.

[0341] That is, the wireless communication device 10 does not add the second fragmented carrier CC2_A when the received power RSSI of the second carrier CC2_B is greater than the allowable level or when the power difference D1 is greater than the allowable level.

[0342] On the other hand, if the received power RSSI is less than or equal to the first threshold Th1 and the difference in received power RSRP is less than or equal to the third threshold Th3 (step S803; Yes), the wireless communication device 10 adds the second fragmented carrier CC2_A to the first component carrier in accordance with instructions from the first base station 20 (step S804).

[0343] For example, the wireless communication device 10 triggers the first event when the received power RSSI is equal to or less than a first threshold Th1 and the difference in received power RSRP is equal to or less than a third threshold Th3.

[0344] Here, the first event is, for example, sending a notification to the first base station 20 that the received power RSSI of the second carrier CC2_B is less than or equal to the first threshold Th1 and the difference in received power RSRP is less than or equal to the third threshold Th3.

[0345] Here, "equal to or less than the third threshold value Th3" may be read as "less than the third threshold value Th3."

[0346] Upon receiving the notification from the wireless communication device 10, the first base station 20 uses RRC signaling to instruct the addition of the second fragmented carrier CC2_A to the first component carrier, which is an SCell. In accordance with this instruction, the wireless communication device 10 adds the second fragmented carrier CC2_A to the first component carrier.

[0347] Thereafter, the wireless communication device 10 transmits and / or receives signals in the band from the first fragmented carrier CC1_A to the second fragmented carrier CC2_A, for example, by the first transceiver circuit 110-1.

[0348] Here, if the second fragmented carrier CC2_A is provided by a third base station 20 different from the first base station 20, the frame timing and SFN (System Frame Number) between the first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A and CC2_A are adjusted, or alternatively, an offset of multiple slots between the first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A and CC2_A is configured in the wireless communication device 10.

[0349] As a result, when the power difference D1 is equal to or less than the third threshold Th3 (i.e., an acceptable level), the first base station 20 can use the first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A and CC2_A as the first component carrier, and the wireless communication device 10 can further improve communication efficiency while suppressing degradation of the S / N ratio.

[0350] 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the release process according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. The release process shown in Fig. 18 is executed by the wireless communication device 10 when, for example, the second fragmented carrier CC2_A is added to the first component carrier by the addition process shown in Fig. 17.

[0351] First, the wireless communication device 10 measures the received power RSSI of the second carrier CC2_B as an adjacent channel and the received power RSRP of the first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A and CC2_A (step S901). The wireless communication device 10 measures the received power RSSI and RSRP according to the settings made in step S801 of FIG. 17, for example.

[0352] Next, the wireless communication device 10 determines whether the measured received power RSSI is equal to or greater than the second threshold Th2 and whether the difference in received power RSRP is equal to or greater than the fourth threshold Th4 (step S902). That is, the wireless communication device 10 evaluates (i.e., compares) the received power RSSI with the second threshold Th2, and also evaluates the difference in received power RSRP (power difference D1) between the first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A and CC2_A with the fourth threshold Th4.

[0353] Here, the fourth threshold Th4 is a threshold generated from, for example, the threshold (third threshold Th3) included in the above-mentioned reporting standard and information related to the hysteresis parameter.

[0354] If the received power RSSI is less than the second threshold Th2 and the difference in received power RSRP is less than the fourth threshold Th4 (step S902; No), the wireless communication device 10 returns to step S901 and continues measuring the received power RSSI of the adjacent channel.

[0355] That is, when the received power RSSI of the second carrier CC2_B is at an acceptable level and the power difference D1 is at an acceptable level, the wireless communication device 10 does not release the second fragmented carrier CC2_A.

[0356] On the other hand, if the received power RSSI is greater than or equal to the second threshold Th2, or the difference in received power RSRP is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold Th4 (step S902; Yes), the wireless communication device 10 releases the second fragmented carrier CC2_A from the first component carrier in accordance with instructions from the first base station 20 (step S903).

[0357] Alternatively, the wireless communication device 10 may release, for example, a fragmented carrier specified by the first base station 20 (the first fragmented carrier CC1_A or the second fragmented carrier CC2_A) from the first component carrier, regardless of the fragmented carrier added in step S804.

[0358] Thereafter, the wireless communication device 10 transmits and / or receives a signal of the first fragmented carrier CC1_A (or the second fragmented carrier CC2_A) by, for example, the first transceiver circuit 110-1.

[0359] As a result, when the power difference D1 is equal to or greater than the fourth threshold Th4 (i.e., exceeds the allowable level), the first base station 20 can use the first fragmented carrier CC1_A or the second fragmented carrier CC2_A as the first component carrier.

[0360] After releasing the second fragmented carrier CC2_A, the wireless communication device 10 may execute part of the adding process (e.g., the process after step S801) shown in Fig. 17. When the signal strength (received power RSSI) of the second carrier CC2_B decreases to an acceptable level and the power difference D1 also decreases to an acceptable level, the wireless communication device 10 may add the second fragmented carrier CC2_A to the first component carrier again.

[0361] In this way, the wireless communication device 10 can add / release the second fragmented carrier CC2_A in accordance with instructions from the first base station 20, depending on the power difference D1 between the first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A and CC2_A.

[0362] 5-1-3. Another Example of the Addition Process> Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing another example of the flow of the addition process according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. The addition process shown in Fig. 19 is executed by the wireless communication device 10, for example, as part of the connection process shown in Fig. 8. Note that, among the addition processes shown in Fig. 19, the same processes as those shown in Fig. 17 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0363] The wireless communication device 10, which has notified the UE wireless capability in step S201, measures the first fragmented carrier CC1_A and the second fragmented carrier CC2_A (step S1001).

[0364] For example, the wireless communication device 10 measures the received power RSRP of the signals in the first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A and CC2_A in accordance with an instruction from the first base station 20 .

[0365] The wireless communication device 10 compares the measured received power RSRP of the signals on the first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A and CC2_A. Based on the comparison result, the wireless communication device 10 determines whether the received power RSRP of the first fragmented carrier CC1_A is greater than the received power RSRP of the second fragmented carrier CC2_A (step S1002).

[0366] If the first fragmented carrier CC1_A (received power RSRP) is less than or equal to the second fragmented carrier CC2_A (received power RSRP) (step S1002; No), the wireless communication device 10 sets the second fragmented carrier CC2_A as the first component carrier (step S1003).

[0367] The wireless communication device 10 notifies the first base station 20 of the comparison result. The first base station 20 instructs the wireless communication device 10 to set the second fragmented carrier CC2_A as the first component carrier according to the comparison result. Upon receiving this instruction, the wireless communication device 10 sets the second fragmented carrier CC2_A as the first component carrier.

[0368] If the first fragmented carrier CC1_A (received power RSRP) is greater than the second fragmented carrier CC2_A (received power RSRP) (step S1002; Yes), the wireless communication device 10 sets the first fragmented carrier CC1_A as the first component carrier (step S1004).

[0369] The wireless communication device 10 notifies the first base station 20 of the comparison result. The first base station 20 instructs the wireless communication device 10 to set the first fragmented carrier CC1_A as the first component carrier according to the comparison result. Upon receiving this instruction, the wireless communication device 10 sets the first fragmented carrier CC1_A as the first component carrier.

[0370] Here, the wireless communication device 10 sets the first fragmented carrier CC1_A as the first component carrier when the first fragmented carrier CC1_A (received power RSRP) is greater than the second fragmented carrier CC2_A (received power RSRP).

[0371] Alternatively, the wireless communication device 10 may set the first fragmented carrier CC1_A as the first component carrier when the first fragmented carrier CC1_A (received power RSRP) is greater than or equal to the second fragmented carrier CC2_A (received power RSRP).

[0372] Subsequently, the wireless communication device 10 that added the first component carrier as an SCell in step S203 receives an instruction regarding the measurement settings from the first base station 20.

[0373] The first base station 20 according to this embodiment instructs the UE to configure measurements of fragmented carriers that are not configured as the first component carrier (hereinafter also referred to as unconfigured carriers) in addition to measurements of the second carrier CC2_B according to the notified UE radio capability. This instruction is provided by using, for example, RRC signaling, specifically, dedicated signaling such as RRCReconfiguration or RRCResume.

[0374] The wireless communication device 10 sets up measurements of the adjacent channel (i.e., the second carrier CC2_B) and the unconfigured carrier (i.e., the first fragmented carrier CC1_A or the second fragmented carrier CC2_A) (step S1005). Note that the measurement settings are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described here.

[0375] The wireless communication device 10 measures the received power RSRP of the unconfigured carrier and the received power RSSI of the adjacent channel (that is, the second carrier CC2_B) (step S1006).

[0376] The wireless communication device 10 calculates a power difference D2 between the reception power RSRP of the unconfigured carrier and the reception power RSSI of the adjacent channel (that is, the second carrier CC2_B) (step S1007).

[0377] The wireless communication device 10 determines whether the power difference D2 calculated in step S1006 is equal to or less than a fifth threshold Th5 (step S1008). That is, the wireless communication device 10 evaluates (i.e., compares) the power difference D2 with the fifth threshold Th5.

[0378] If the power difference D2 is equal to or smaller than the fifth threshold Th5 (step S1008; Yes), the process returns to step S1006, and measurement of the received powers RSSI and RSRP continues.

[0379] On the other hand, if the power difference D2 is greater than the fifth threshold Th5 (step S1008; No), the wireless communication device 10 adds the unconfigured carrier to the first component carrier in accordance with the instruction from the first base station 20 (step S1009).

[0380] For example, when the power difference D2 is greater than the fifth threshold Th5, the wireless communication device 10 triggers a third event, where the third event is, for example, transmitting a notification to the first base station 20 that the power difference D2 is greater than the fifth threshold Th5.

[0381] Here, "equal to or less than the fifth threshold Th5" may be read as "less than the fifth threshold Th5."

[0382] Upon receiving the notification from the wireless communication device 10, the first base station 20 uses RRC signaling to instruct the addition of an unconfigured carrier to the first component carrier, which is an SCell. The wireless communication device 10 adds the unconfigured carrier to the first component carrier in accordance with this instruction.

[0383] Thereafter, the wireless communication device 10 transmits and / or receives signals in the band from the first fragmented carrier CC1_A to the second fragmented carrier CC2_A, for example, by the first transceiver circuit 110-1.

[0384] As a result, when the power difference D1 between the first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A and CC2_A is at an allowable level, the first base station 20 can use the first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A and CC2_A as the first component carrier, and therefore the wireless communication device 10 can further improve communication efficiency while suppressing degradation of the S / N ratio.

[0385] Furthermore, when there is a power difference between the first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A and CC2_A, the wireless communication device 10 sets the fragmented carrier with the greater received power (the first fragmented carrier CC1_A or the second fragmented carrier CC2_A) as the first component carrier. Then, the wireless communication device 10 adds an unconfigured carrier (the second fragmented carrier CC2_A or the first fragmented carrier CC1_A) with a received power at an acceptable level (i.e., greater than a threshold) relative to the received power of the adjacent channel. This allows the wireless communication device 10 to use the first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A and CC2_A as the first component carrier. Similarly, the wireless communication device 10 can further improve communication efficiency while suppressing degradation of the S / N ratio.

[0386] Note that, although the above description has been given of the case where the technology according to the fourth embodiment is applied to the communication system according to the first embodiment, the technology according to this embodiment may also be applied to the communication systems according to the second and third embodiments in the same manner.

[0387] <<6. Fifth Embodiment>> In the first to fourth embodiments described above, carrier aggregation has been described for a case where the number of fragmented carriers included in one band (for example, the first band) is two. The number of fragmented carriers included in one band is not limited to two, and may be three or more.

[0388] In the fifth embodiment, an example will be described in which the techniques described in the first to fourth embodiments are applied when the number of fragmented carriers included in the first band is three.

[0389] Fig. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of spectrum allocation according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure, in which non-contiguous fragmented spectrum is allocated to two telecom operators (Operator A and Operator B in Fig. 20) in one band (e.g., Band n25).

[0390] In Figure 20, Operator A (an example of a first operator) is allocated three fragmented spectrums in a first band. For example, the first band includes multiple component carriers (CCs), each of which is a fragmented carrier. In Figure 20, the first band includes, for example, a first fragmented carrier CC1_A, a second fragmented carrier CC2_A, and a third fragmented carrier CC3_A allocated to Operator A.

[0391] Operator B (an example of a second operator) is allocated two fragmented spectrums in a first band, for example, the first band includes multiple component carriers (first and second carriers CC1_B and CC2_B), each of which is a fragmented carrier.

[0392] For example, the communication system selects two adjacent fragmented carriers, sandwiching a component carrier allocated to operator B, from among three fragmented carriers included in the first band, and performs carrier aggregation (CA).

[0393] In this case, the communication system can perform the processing described in the first to fourth embodiments by treating the component carriers sandwiched between the two fragmented carriers on which CA is performed as adjacent channels.

[0394] For example, when performing CA of the first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A and CC2_A, the communication system may perform each of the above-described processes with the first carrier CC1_B as the adjacent channel.

[0395] For example, when performing CA of the second and third fragmented carriers CC2_A and CC3_A, the communication system may perform each of the above-described processes with the second carrier CC2_B as the adjacent channel.

[0396] The communication system may, for example, select all three fragmented carriers included in the first band and perform CA.

[0397] In this case, the first base station 20 sets, for example, the second fragmented carrier CC2_A of the first to third fragmented carriers CC1_A to CC3_A as the first component carrier.

[0398] The wireless communication device 10 determines, for example, whether the received power RSSI of the first carrier CC1_B, which is an adjacent channel of the first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A and CC2_A, is equal to or less than a first threshold Th1.

[0399] When the received power RSSI of the first carrier CC1_B is equal to or less than the first threshold Th1, the first base station 20 instructs the wireless communication device 10 to add the first fragmented carrier CC1_A to the first component carrier.

[0400] In addition, for example, when a first fragmented carrier CC1_A is added to a first component carrier, the wireless communication device 10 determines whether the received power RSSI of the first carrier CC1_B is greater than or equal to a second threshold Th2.

[0401] When the received power RSSI of the first carrier CC1_B is equal to or greater than the second threshold Th2, the first base station 20 instructs the wireless communication device 10 to release the first fragmented carrier CC1_A from the first component carrier.

[0402] Similarly, the wireless communication device 10 determines whether the received power RSSI of the second carrier CC2_B, which is an adjacent channel of the second and third fragmented carriers CC2_A and CC3_A, is equal to or less than the first threshold Th1.

[0403] When the received power RSSI of the second carrier CC2_B is equal to or less than the first threshold Th1, the first base station 20 instructs the wireless communication device 10 to add the third fragmented carrier CC3_A to the first component carrier.

[0404] In addition, for example, when a third fragmented carrier CC3_A is added to the first component carrier, the wireless communication device 10 determines whether the received power RSSI of the second carrier CC2_B is greater than or equal to a second threshold Th2.

[0405] If the received power RSSI of the second carrier CC2_B is equal to or greater than the second threshold Th2, the first base station 20 instructs the wireless communication device 10 to release the third fragmented carrier CC3_A from the first component carrier.

[0406] Here, a case has been described in which the communication system performs carrier aggregation on three fragmented carriers included in the first band using the technology according to the first embodiment. Alternatively, the communication system can perform carrier aggregation on three fragmented carriers in the same manner as in the second to fourth embodiments.

[0407] Also, although the example described here is one in which the number of fragmented carriers included in the first band is three, the communication system can perform carrier aggregation in the same manner even if the first band includes four or more fragmented carriers.

[0408] <<7. Other Embodiments>> The processing according to each of the above-described embodiments may be implemented in various different forms other than the above-described embodiments.

[0409] In the above-described embodiments, an example has been described in which the communication system performs carrier aggregation (CA) using the first band including fragmented carriers as an SCell, but the embodiments are not limited to this.

[0410] Alternatively, for example, the techniques according to the above embodiments may also be applied to a case where a communication system performs carrier aggregation using a first band including fragmented carriers as a PCell and a second band different from the first band as an SCell.

[0411] In this case, the first base station 20 instructs the wireless communication device 10 to add / release the first fragmented carrier CC1_A or the second fragmented carrier CC2_A to / from the first component carrier, which is the PCell.

[0412] Alternatively, the techniques according to the above embodiments may be applied to a case where the first band and the second band are not carrier aggregated.

[0413] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the wireless communication device 10 sets measurement of the second carrier CC2_B that is subject to interference with the fragmented carriers consisting of the first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A and CC2_A, but the above embodiments are not limited to this.

[0414] Alternatively, when the wireless communication device 10 detects interference from an interfered component carrier, the wireless communication device 10 may notify the occurrence of interference as support information to the first base station 20. In this case, the first base station 20 may provide the wireless communication device 10 with, for example, information on fragmented carriers and information on the interfered component carrier.

[0415] Here, the information on fragmented carriers is information on the first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A and CC2_A, and the information on the interfered component carrier is information on the second carrier CC2_B.

[0416] The occurrence of interference can also be detected by a degradation in the sensitivity of signals received on fragmented carriers.

[0417] Upon receiving notification of the occurrence of interference from the wireless communication device 10, the first base station 20 switches from a state in which fragmented carriers (first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A, CC2_A) are configured as one component carrier to a state in which one fragmented carrier (first fragmented carrier CC1_A or second fragmented carrier CC2_A) is configured as one component carrier.

[0418] Furthermore, the wireless communication device 10 may provide information indicating a capability for notifying of interference caused by an interfered component carrier to fragmented carriers (hereinafter also referred to as a notification capability) to the first base station 20. The information indicating the notification capability may be sent as part of the UE radio capability.

[0419] The first base station 20 configures fragmented carriers (first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A, CC2_A) as one component carrier for the wireless communication device 10 having the notification capability.

[0420] On the other hand, the first base station 20 configures one fragmented carrier (the first fragmented carrier CC1_A or the second fragmented carrier CC2_A) as one component carrier for the wireless communication device 10 that does not have the notification capability.

[0421] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, an example has been described in which the first base station 20 provides a first component carrier in a first band and a second component carrier in a second band, but the above embodiments are not limited to this.

[0422] For example, a first base station 20 may provide a first component carrier, and a third base station 20 different from the first base station 20 may provide a second component carrier. That is, the communication system may set multi-connectivity between the first base station 20 and the third base station 20 in the wireless communication device 10. In this case, in this embodiment, the first component carrier operating as an SCell or the second component carrier operates as a PSCell (Primary Secondary Cell).

[0423] Furthermore, the third base station 20 may be a base station that supports a different RAT (Radio Access Technology) from that of the first base station 20. In this case, the communication system may set multi-connectivity between the first base station 20 and the third base station 20 in the wireless communication device 10.

[0424] On the other hand, if the third base station 20 is a base station that supports the same RAT as the first base station 20, the communication system may configure the wireless communication device 10 to configure carrier aggregation between the first base station 20 and the third base station 20.

[0425] In addition, the number of bands for which carrier aggregation or multi-connectivity is configured is not limited to 2, and may be 3 or more. Furthermore, the number of fragmented carriers constituting fragmented carriers is not limited to 2, and may be 3 or more.

[0426] The number of fragmented carriers that the wireless communication device 10 can support may be defined by a feature set for each band, and may be notified to the network side by the UE radio capabilities.

[0427] In each of the above embodiments, the wireless communication device 10 compares the received power RSSI with the threshold, but the device that performs the comparison is not limited to the wireless communication device 10. This comparison may be performed by, for example, the first base station 20. In this case, the first base station 20 obtains, for example, the RSSI of the adjacent channel from the wireless communication device 10.

[0428] Similarly, the comparison of the power difference D1 (or the power difference D2) with the threshold may be performed by the first base station 20 instead of the wireless communication device 10. In this case, the first base station 20 acquires, for example, the power difference D1 (or the power difference D2) or the received powers RSRP of the first and second fragmented carriers CC1_A and CC2_A from the wireless communication device 10.

[0429] In this way, the first base station 20 may perform at least a portion of the processing that the wireless communication device 10 is supposed to perform, or the wireless communication device 10 may perform at least a portion of the processing that the first base station 20 is supposed to perform.

[0430] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the first base station 20 notifies the wireless communication device 10 of the first threshold Th1 (or the third threshold Th3) and information related to the hysteresis parameters, but the information notified by the first base station 20 is not limited to this.

[0431] The first base station 20 may notify the wireless communication device 10 of the first threshold Th1 (or the third threshold Th3) and the second threshold Th2 (or the fourth threshold Th4).

[0432] For example, the control device that controls the base station 20 and the wireless communication device 10 in each of the above-described embodiments may be realized by a dedicated computer system or a general-purpose computer system.

[0433] For example, a communication program for executing the above-described operations is stored on a computer-readable recording medium such as an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic tape, or a flexible disk and distributed. Then, for example, the program is installed on a computer and the above-described processing is executed to configure a control device. In this case, the control device may be a device external to the base station 20 and the wireless communication device 10 (e.g., a personal computer). Alternatively, the control device may be a device internal to the base station 20 and the wireless communication device 10 (e.g., control units 24 and 15).

[0434] The communication program may also be stored in a disk device provided in a server device on a network such as the Internet, and may be downloaded to a computer. The above-described functions may also be realized by a combination of an operating system (OS) and application software. In this case, the components other than the OS may be stored on a medium and distributed, or may be stored in a server device and downloaded to a computer.

[0435] Furthermore, among the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically using known methods. Furthermore, the information, including the processing procedures, specific names, various data, and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings, can be changed as desired unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each drawing is not limited to the information shown in the drawings.

[0436] Furthermore, the components of each device shown in the figure are conceptual functional components and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0437] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be combined as appropriate within the scope of not causing any contradiction in the processing content.

[0438] Furthermore, the effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not limiting, and other effects may also be present.

[0439] Furthermore, for example, each embodiment can be implemented as any configuration that constitutes an apparatus or system, such as a processor as a system LSI (Large Scale Integration), a module using multiple processors, a unit using multiple modules, a set in which other functions are added to a unit, or the like (i.e., a configuration of a part of an apparatus).

[0440] In each embodiment, a system refers to a collection of multiple components (devices, modules (components), etc.), regardless of whether all of the components are in the same housing. Therefore, multiple devices housed in separate housings and connected via a network, and a single device housed in a single housing with multiple modules, are both systems.

[0441] Furthermore, for example, each embodiment may have a cloud computing configuration in which one function is shared and processed jointly by a plurality of devices via a network.

[0442] <<8. Conclusion>> The effects described in this disclosure are merely examples and are not limited to the disclosed content. Other effects may also be obtained.

[0443] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure. Furthermore, components of different embodiments and modifications may be combined as appropriate.

[0444] The present technology may also be configured as follows. (1) A base station comprising: a communication unit including a circuit for processing signals of frequency bands including a first fragmented carrier and a second fragmented carrier that are arranged apart from each other, and configured to communicate with a wireless communication device; and a control unit configured to receive, from the wireless communication device, condition information indicating whether the wireless communication device satisfies an adding condition, and to notify the wireless communication device that has set the first fragmented carrier as a component carrier of instruction information instructing the wireless communication device to add the second fragmented carrier to the component carrier if the adding condition is satisfied. (2) The base station according to (1), in which the wireless communication device adds the second fragmented carrier to the component carrier in accordance with the instruction information. (3) The base station according to (1) or (2), in which the control unit notifies the instruction information via RRC (Radio Resource Control) signaling. (4) The base station according to (1) or (2), in which the control unit notifies the wireless communication device of an instruction to set the second fragmented carrier to active as an instruction to add the second fragmented carrier to the component carrier. (5) The base station according to (4), wherein the control unit notifies the instruction information by including it in DCI (Downlink Control Information). (6) The base station according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the additional condition is that the signal strength of a frequency band between the first fragmented carrier and the second fragmented carrier is equal to or less than a set threshold. (7) The base station according to (6), wherein the control unit acquires information on the signal strength from the wireless communication device as the condition information. (8) The base station according to (6) or (7), wherein the wireless communication device notifies the condition information when the additional condition is satisfied. (9) The base station according to any one of (6) to (8), wherein the control unit instructs the wireless communication device to release the second fragmented carrier from the component carrier when the signal strength is equal to or greater than a release threshold. (10) The base station according to (9), wherein the wireless communication device notifies the base station that the signal strength is equal to or greater than the release threshold.(11) The base station according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the wireless communication device notifies the base station of capability information related to measurement of signal strength of a frequency band between the first fragmented carrier and the second fragmented carrier. (12) The base station according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the additional condition is that selectivity for a signal of a frequency band between the first fragmented carrier and the second fragmented carrier satisfies a required value. (13) The base station according to (12), wherein the wireless communication device notifies the base station of capability information including the condition information. (14) The base station according to any one of (1) to (13), wherein the control unit instructs the wireless communication device to add the second fragmented carrier to the component carrier when a difference between the signal strength of the first fragmented carrier and the signal strength of the second fragmented carrier is equal to or less than a difference setting threshold. (15) The base station according to (14), wherein the control unit instructs the wireless communication device to release the second fragmented carrier from the component carrier when the difference between the signal strength of the first fragmented carrier and the signal strength of the second fragmented carrier is equal to or greater than a differential release threshold. (16) The base station according to any one of (1) to (15), wherein a first operator that operates the first fragmented carrier and the second fragmented carrier is different from a second operator that operates a frequency band between the first fragmented carrier and the second fragmented carrier. (17) The base station according to any one of (1) to (16), wherein the frequency band further includes a third fragmented carrier, and the control unit instructs the wireless communication device to add the third fragmented carrier to the component carrier when a multiple addition condition is satisfied. (18) The base station according to (17), wherein the plurality of additional conditions are that a signal strength of a frequency band between the first fragmented carrier and the second fragmented carrier is equal to or less than a set threshold, or that a signal strength of a frequency band between the second fragmented carrier and the third fragmented carrier is equal to or less than a set threshold.(19) A wireless communication device comprising: a communication unit including a circuit for processing signals of a frequency band including a first fragmented carrier and a second fragmented carrier that are arranged apart from each other, and communicating with a base station; and a control unit that notifies the base station of condition information indicating whether the device satisfies an adding condition, sets the first fragmented carrier as a component carrier, and receives, from the base station, instruction information instructing the device to add the second fragmented carrier to the component carrier if the adding condition is satisfied. (20) A communication method including a circuit for processing signals of a frequency band including a first fragmented carrier and a second fragmented carrier that are arranged apart from each other, and communicating with a wireless communication device, receiving, from the wireless communication device, condition information indicating whether the wireless communication device satisfies an adding condition, and notifying, if the adding condition is satisfied, the wireless communication device that has set the first fragmented carrier as a component carrier, of instruction information instructing the device to add the second fragmented carrier to the component carrier. (21) A communication method including: communicating with a base station via a communication unit including a circuit for processing signals of a frequency band including a first fragmented carrier and a second fragmented carrier that are arranged apart from each other; notifying the base station of condition information indicating whether the device satisfies an addition condition; setting the first fragmented carrier as a component carrier; and receiving, from the base station, instruction information instructing the device to add the second fragmented carrier to the component carrier when the addition condition is satisfied.(22) A communication system comprising: a base station including: a first communication unit including a first circuit that processes signals of a frequency band including a first fragmented carrier and a second fragmented carrier that are arranged apart from each other; and a wireless communication device including: a second communication unit that includes a second circuit that processes signals of the frequency band including the first fragmented carrier and the second fragmented carrier and communicates with the base station; wherein the wireless communication device transmits condition information indicating whether an additional condition is satisfied to the base station; and when the additional condition is satisfied, the base station notifies the wireless communication device that has set the first fragmented carrier as a component carrier of instruction information that instructs the wireless communication device to add the second fragmented carrier to the component carrier.

[0445] 10 Wireless communication device 11, 21 Communication unit 12, 22 Storage unit 13, 23 Network communication unit 14 Input / output unit 15, 24 Control unit 20 Base station

Claims

1. A base station comprising: a communication unit that includes a circuit for processing signals of a frequency band including a first fragmented carrier and a second fragmented carrier that are arranged apart from each other, and that communicates with a wireless communication device; and a control unit that receives condition information from the wireless communication device indicating whether the wireless communication device satisfies an addition condition, and if the addition condition is satisfied, notifies the wireless communication device that has set the first fragmented carrier as a component carrier of instruction information instructing the wireless communication device to add the second fragmented carrier to the component carrier.

2. The base station according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication device adds the second fragmented carrier to the component carrier in response to the instruction information.

3. The base station according to claim 1, wherein the control unit notifies the instruction information via RRC (Radio Resource Control) signaling.

4. The base station according to claim 1, wherein the control unit notifies the wireless communication device of an instruction to set the second fragmented carrier to active as an instruction to add the second fragmented carrier to the component carrier.

5. The base station according to claim 4, wherein the control unit notifies the instruction information by including it in DCI (Downlink Control Information).

6. The base station of claim 1, wherein the additional condition is that the signal strength of the frequency band between the first fragmented carrier and the second fragmented carrier is below a set threshold.

7. The base station according to claim 6, wherein the control unit acquires information about the signal strength as the condition information from the wireless communication device.

8. The base station according to claim 6, wherein the wireless communication device notifies the condition information when the additional condition is met.

9. The base station according to claim 6, wherein the control unit instructs the wireless communication device to release the second fragmented carrier from the component carrier when the signal strength is equal to or greater than a release threshold.

10. The base station of claim 9, wherein the wireless communication device notifies the base station that the signal strength is greater than or equal to the release threshold.

11. The base station of claim 1, wherein the wireless communication device notifies the base station of capability information related to measuring signal strength of a frequency band between the first fragmented carrier and the second fragmented carrier.

12. The base station of claim 1, wherein the additional condition is that selectivity for signals in a frequency band between the first fragmented carrier and the second fragmented carrier satisfies a required value.

13. The base station according to claim 12, wherein the wireless communication device notifies the base station of capability information including the condition information.

14. The base station according to claim 1, wherein the control unit instructs the wireless communication device to add the second fragmented carrier to the component carrier when a difference between the signal strength of the first fragmented carrier and the signal strength of the second fragmented carrier is equal to or less than a difference setting threshold.

15. The base station of claim 14, wherein the control unit instructs the wireless communication device to release the second fragmented carrier from the component carrier when the difference between the signal strength of the first fragmented carrier and the signal strength of the second fragmented carrier is equal to or greater than a differential release threshold.

16. The base station according to claim 1, wherein the frequency band further includes a third fragmented carrier, and wherein the control unit instructs the wireless communication device to add the third fragmented carrier to the component carrier when a multiple addition condition is satisfied.

17. The base station of claim 16, wherein the plurality of additional conditions are that the signal strength of the frequency band between the first fragmented carrier and the second fragmented carrier is below a set threshold, or that the signal strength of the frequency band between the second fragmented carrier and the third fragmented carrier is below a set threshold.

18. A wireless communication device comprising: a communication unit that includes a circuit for processing signals of a frequency band including a first fragmented carrier and a second fragmented carrier that are arranged apart from each other, and that communicates with a base station; and a control unit that notifies the base station of condition information indicating whether the device satisfies an addition condition, sets the first fragmented carrier as a component carrier, and receives instruction information from the base station that instructs the device to add the second fragmented carrier to the component carrier if the addition condition is satisfied.

19. A communication method comprising: a circuit for processing signals of a frequency band including a first fragmented carrier and a second fragmented carrier that are spaced apart from each other, communicating with a wireless communication device; receiving condition information from the wireless communication device indicating whether the wireless communication device satisfies an addition condition; and, if the addition condition is satisfied, notifying the wireless communication device that has set the first fragmented carrier as a component carrier of instruction information instructing the wireless communication device to add the second fragmented carrier to the component carrier.

20. A communication method comprising: communicating with a base station via a communication unit including a circuit for processing signals of a frequency band including a first fragmented carrier and a second fragmented carrier that are arranged apart from each other; notifying the base station of condition information indicating whether the device satisfies an addition condition; setting the first fragmented carrier as a component carrier; and receiving instruction information from the base station instructing the device to add the second fragmented carrier to the component carrier if the addition condition is satisfied.

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