Bandwidth part expansion for data transmissions

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention relate to a first communication device (100) and a second communication device (300) for bandwidth part expansion for data transmissions. The first communication device (100) performs a first data transmission (540) to a second communication device (300) in a first frequency bandwidth (f1). Thereafter, the first communication device (100) switches to perform a second data transmission (550) to the second communication device (300) in the first frequency bandwidth (f2) and in an additional second frequency bandwidth (f2). The additional second frequency bandwidth (f2) is arranged within an allowed frequency bandwidth range for data transmissions by the first communication device (100). Thereby, rapid bandwidth adaptation for data transmissions is possible. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention also relate to corresponding methods and a computer program.

Description

[0001] BANDWIDTH PART EXPANSION FOR DATA TRANSMISSIONS

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] Embodiments of the invention relate to a first communication device and a second communication device for bandwidth part expansion for data transmissions. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention also relate to corresponding methods and a computer program.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] A so-called bandwidth part (BWP) in 3GPP 5G new radio (NR) is a set of contiguous physical resource blocks (PRE) for a given numerology and on a given carrier. BWP-based operation is a feature that was introduced in 5G NR Rel-15.

[0006] Contrary to long term evolution (LIE), where the user equipment (UE) is required to transmit and receive on the entire carrier bandwidth supported by the UE, the BWP-based operation in 5G NR enables higher bandwidth flexibility, and subsequently higher potential for power savings and adaptability to traffic requirements in the system. Additionally, UEs with different bandwidth capabilities and different traffic requirements, in terms of throughput, latency and reliability, can be supported. Consequently, gains in terms of power consumption can also be reaped with the use of BWP-based operations.

[0007] SUMMARY

[0008] An objective of embodiments of the invention is to provide a solution which mitigates or solves the drawbacks and problems of conventional solutions.

[0009] Another objective of embodiments of the invention is to provide a solution providing rapid bandwidth adaptation for data transmissions.

[0010] The above and further objectives are solved by the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0011] Further embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objectives are achieved with a first communication device configured to: perform a first data transmission to a second communication device in a first frequency bandwidth; and switch to perform a second data transmission to the second communication device in the first frequency bandwidth and in an additional second frequency bandwidth, wherein the additional second frequency bandwidth is arranged within an allowed frequency bandwidth range for data transmissions by the first communication device.

[0013] An advantage of the first communication device according to the first aspect is that bandwidth adaptation for transmissions by the first communication device can be performed autonomously, without requiring a trigger from a second communication device. Consequently, bandwidth adaptation can be performed more rapidly, depending on traffic requirements and buffer state at the first communication device, thus enabling both higher performance in terms of traffic key performance indicators (KPIs) and power savings at the first communication device.

[0014] In an implementation form of a first communication device according to the first aspect, the first frequency bandwidth and the additional second frequency bandwidth are arranged on a same frequency carrier. An advantage with this implementation form is that the proposed solution can be used in tandem with current BWP operations.

[0015] Additionally, the proposed implementation form does not require carrier aggregation capability.

[0016] In an implementation form of a first communication device according to the first aspect, the first communication device is configured to: receive a first message from the second communication device, the first message indicating the allowed frequency bandwidth range.

[0017] An advantage with this implementation form is that the second communication device can manage potential inter-device interference by restricting bandwidth expansion to an allowed frequency bandwidth region. In case of multiple first communication devices expanding their active bandwidth, the inter-device interference is restricted to a subset of the total transmission bandwidth, reducing its potential detrimental impact on the achievable performance.

[0018] In an implementation form of a first communication device according to the first aspect, a sum of the first frequency bandwidth and the additional second frequency bandwidth equals a bandwidth of a configured candidate bandwidth part for the first communication device.

[0019] An advantage with this implementation form is that any potential subsequent BWP switching can be performed more rapidly since part of the parameters, i.e. , the size of active transmission bandwidth is the same. Consequently, switching to the candidate BWP will require less modifications to the modem parameters of the first communication device for an ongoing transmission.

[0020] In an implementation form of a first communication device according to the first aspect, the first frequency bandwidth and the additional second frequency bandwidth are continuously arranged in the frequency band.

[0021] An advantage with this implementation form is that channel state information (CSI) extrapolation can be made more accurately. Consequently, the second communication device can derive accurate filters for reception and transmission in the additional second frequency, before receiving new CSI, in the second frequency bandwidth. Additionally, appropriate link adaptation can be performed in the additional second frequency bandwidth, without previous CSI measurements in the additional second frequency bandwidth.

[0022] In an implementation form of a first communication device according to the first aspect, the first frequency bandwidth and the allowed frequency bandwidth range are continuously arranged in the frequency band.

[0023] An advantage with this implementation form is that the frequency gap between the first frequency bandwidth and additional second frequency bandwidth can be minimized. Consequently, CSI extrapolation can be made accurately, enabling adequate communication before a new CSI, in the first frequency bandwidth and in the additional second frequency bandwidth is obtained.

[0024] In an implementation form of a first communication device according to the first aspect, the first communication device is configured to: switch to perform the second data transmission based on one or more in a group comprising: a throughput requirement, a reliability requirement, a quality of experience requirement, a power consumption requirement, and a latency requirement for the second data transmission. An advantage with this implementation form is that conditions for BWP expansion can be configured or indicated by the second communication device, enabling to control the behavior of the first communication device and consequently reducing unnecessary first communication device-initiated BWP adaptation. Additionally, since these conditions are known at both the first and second communication devices, the bandwidth in which the second data transmission is performed will inform the second communication device, implicitly, about the requirements of the current data transmission from the first communication device, the power consumption state and potentially the buffer state of the first communication device.

[0025] In an implementation form of a first communication device according to the first aspect, the first communication device is configured to: perform the second data transmission in the first frequency bandwidth based on a first set of link adaptation parameters; and perform the second data transmission in the additional second frequency bandwidth based on a second set of link adaptation parameters different to the first set of link adaptation parameters.

[0026] An advantage with this implementation form is that different link adaptation parameters such as modulation order and coding rate can be used, in the same transmission, in different frequency bandwidth. Consequently, transmission in the second frequency bandwidth can be made more robust, in case of possible activity of other first communication devices in the same bandwidth. Additionally, depending on the frequency gap between the first and second communication devices, CSI extrapolation may have different performance. Consequently, link adaptation needs to account for a possible back-off due to potential CSI extrapolation errors.

[0027] In an implementation form of a first communication device according to the first aspect, the first set of link adaptation parameters and a set of link adaptation parameters for the first data transmission in the first frequency bandwidth are the same.

[0028] An advantage with this implementation form is that the first communication device may reuse previous link adaptation parameters in subsequent transmissions, without requiring additional signaling from the second communication device, prior to its transmission. Consequently, the transmission can be performed before receiving control information with updated link adaptation parameters.

[0029] In an implementation form of a first communication device according to the first aspect, the first set of link adaptation parameters comprises any of: a first modulation scheme, a first transmission power, a first waveform, a first precoding, and a first code rate; and the second set of link adaptation parameters comprises any of: a second modulation scheme, a second transmission power, a second waveform, a second precoding, and a second code rate.

[0030] An advantage with this implementation form is that one or multiple of the link adaptation parameters may differ, depending on the frequency bandwidth used for transmission. Since different frequency bandwidth may have different frequency selective channel conditions, adapting different link adaptation parameters gives additional degrees of freedom to the first communication device in order to achieve the KPIs of the data transmission.

[0031] In an implementation form of a first communication device according to the first aspect, the second set of link adaptation parameters is selected: based on the first set of link adaptation parameters and an associated selection rule, or from a plurality of configured sets of link adaptation parameters. An advantage with this implementation form is that different link adaptation parameters such as modulation order and coding rate can be used, in the same transmission, in different frequency bandwidths. Consequently, transmission in the additional second frequency bandwidth can be made more robust, in case of possible activity of other first communication devices in the same bandwidth. Additionally, the second set of link adaptation parameters may be selected as an adaptation of the first set of link adaptation parameters, assuming higher interference in the allowed frequency region. This adaptation may be a preconfigured drop in a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) index, a device-selected drop in the MCS index, a power increase with predefined step or device-selected power boosting value. Alternately, the first communication device may select the appropriate set of the link adaptation parameters from configured sets of link adaptation parameters, which are known at both the first and second communication devices.

[0032] In an implementation form of a first communication device according to the first aspect, the first communication device is configured to: transmit a second message to the second communication device, the second message indicating one or more in a group comprising: a bandwidth and a frequency location of the additional second frequency bandwidth, a time duration of using the additional second frequency bandwidth, and a second set of link adaptation parameters for the second data transmission in the additional second frequency bandwidth.

[0033] An advantage with this implementation form is that the second communication device is provided with information enabling it to adapt its receiver to the second data transmission. The second message may be transmitted before the second data transmission, e.g., in a control message.

[0034] In an implementation form of a first communication device according to the first aspect, the first communication device is configured to: perform the second data transmission in the first frequency bandwidth according to a first hybrid automatic repeat request, HARQ, procedure; and perform the second data transmission in the additional second frequency bandwidth according to a second HARQ procedure different to the first HARQ procedure.

[0035] An advantage with this implementation form is that retransmission, if any, will be performed for only part of the transmitted data. The second data transmission is performed in two different frequency bandwidths. Consequently, data transmitted in the first frequency bandwidth may undergo different interference and channel conditions compared to the data transmitted in the additional second frequency bandwidth. Further, different link adaptation parameters may be used in each of the frequency bandwidths. Consequently, having separate HARQ procedures enables to account for possible difference in coverage for the transmissions in the different frequency bandwidths.

[0036] In an implementation form of a first communication device according to the first aspect, the first communication device is configured to: switch to perform a third data transmission in a third frequency bandwidth after having performed the second data transmission, the third frequency bandwidth being arranged outside the allowed frequency bandwidth range or partially arranged within the allowed frequency bandwidth range.

[0037] An advantage with this implementation form is that further bandwidth adaptation can be performed by the first communication device in order to reduce potential inter-device interference.

[0038] In an implementation form of a first communication device according to the first aspect, the first frequency bandwidth is associated with first set of frequency bandwidth parameters comprising: a first frequency location, a first bandwidth, a first subcarrier spacing, a first number of reference signal ports, a first waveform, and a first maximum number of transmission layers; and the additional second frequency bandwidth is associated with second set of frequency bandwidth parameters comprising: a second frequency location, a second bandwidth, a second subcarrier spacing, a second number of reference signal ports, a second waveform, and a second maximum number of transmission layers.

[0039] An advantage with this implementation form is that no ambiguity would arise at the second communication device receiving transmissions in the first and second frequency bandwidths. Indeed, using the frequency bandwidth parameters, the receiver can adapt its algorithm based on the frequency bandwidth parameters. Additionally, these parameters may differ, i.e., the parameters associated with the first frequency bandwidth are different from the parameters associated with the additional second frequency bandwidth. Consequently, coverage performance may differ, and the first communication device may use this as an additional degree of freedom, e.g., multiplexing data with different required KPIs.

[0040] In an implementation form of a first communication device according to the first aspect, at least one frequency bandwidth parameter associated with the third frequency bandwidth is equal to a frequency bandwidth parameter of a configured bandwidth part or a configured frequency bandwidth for the first communication device.

[0041] An advantage with this implementation form is that subsequent switching between frequency bandwidths can be performed rapidly. Indeed, since at least one frequency bandwidth parameter is equal, in the different frequency bandwidths of interest, modem adaptation when switching frequency bandwidth can be performed faster, resulting in less interruption due to modem retuning.

[0042] In an implementation form of a first communication device according to the first aspect, the first communication device is configured to: switch to perform the third data transmission in the third frequency bandwidth upon expiry of a timer associated with the second data transmission; or switch to perform the third data transmission in the third frequency bandwidth upon reception of a third message from the second communication device, the third message indicating an instruction to perform the third data transmission in the third frequency bandwidth.

[0043] An advantage with this implementation form is that switching to performing data transmission in the third frequency bandwidth can be based on configured conditions and / or following explicit trigger from the second communication device. The aim of this switching of frequency bandwidth is to further enhance robustness against possible inter-device interference and, in some cases, avoid poor channel state conditions.

[0044] According to a second aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objectives are achieved with a second communication device configured to: receive a first data transmission from a first communication device in a first frequency bandwidth; and receive a second data transmission from the first communication device in the first frequency bandwidth and in an additional second frequency bandwidth, wherein the additional second frequency bandwidth is arranged within an allowed frequency bandwidth range for data transmissions by the first communication device.

[0045] An advantage of the second communication device according to the second aspect is that bandwidth adaptation for transmissions by the first communication device can be performed autonomously, without requiring a trigger from a second communication device. Consequently, bandwidth adaptation can be performed more rapidly, depending on traffic requirements and buffer state at the first communication device, thus enabling both higher performance in terms of traffic KPIs and power savings at the first communication device.

[0046] In an implementation form of a second communication device according to the second aspect, the second communication device is configured to: transmit a first message to the first communication device before receiving the second data transmission, the first message indicating the allowed frequency bandwidth range.

[0047] An advantage with this implementation form is that the second communication device can manage potential inter-device interference by restricting bandwidth expansion to an allowed frequency bandwidth region. In case of multiple first communication devices expanding their active bandwidth, the inter-device interference is restricted to a subset of the total transmission bandwidth, reducing its potential detrimental impact on the achievable performance.

[0048] In an implementation form of a second communication device according to the second aspect, the second communication device is configured to: receive a second message from the first communication device before receiving the second data transmission, the second message indicating one or more in a group comprising: a bandwidth and a frequency location of the additional second frequency bandwidth, a time duration of using the additional second frequency bandwidth, and a second set of link adaptation parameters for the second data transmission in the additional second frequency bandwidth.

[0049] An advantage with this implementation form is that the second communication device is provided with information enabling it to adapt its receiver to the second data transmission. The second message may be transmitted before the second data transmission, e.g., in a control message.

[0050] In an implementation form of a second communication device according to the second aspect, the second communication device is configured to: receive the second data transmission in the first frequency bandwidth according to a first HARQ procedure; and receive the second data transmission in the additional second frequency bandwidth according to a second HARQ procedure different to the first HARQ procedure.

[0051] An advantage with this implementation form is that retransmission, if any, will be performed for only part of the transmitted data. The second data transmission is performed in two different frequency bandwidths. Consequently, data transmitted in the first frequency bandwidth may undergo different interference and channel conditions compared to the data transmitted in the additional second frequency bandwidth. Further, different link adaptation parameters may be used in each of the frequency bandwidths. Consequently, having separate HARQ procedures enables to account for possible difference in coverage for the transmissions in the different frequency bandwidths.

[0052] In an implementation form of a second communication device according to the second aspect, the second communication device is configured to: receive a third data transmission in a third frequency bandwidth from the first communication device after having received the second data transmission, the third frequency bandwidth being arranged outside the allowed frequency bandwidth range or partially arranged within the allowed frequency bandwidth range. An advantage with this implementation form is that further bandwidth adaptation can be performed by the first communication device in order to reduce potential inter-device interference.

[0053] In an implementation form of a second communication device according to the second aspect, the second communication device is configured to: transmit a third message to the first communication device before receiving the third data transmission, the third message indicating an instruction to perform the third data transmission in the third frequency bandwidth.

[0054] An advantage with this implementation form is that switching to performing data transmission in the third frequency bandwidth can be based on an explicit trigger from the second communication device. The aim of this switching of frequency bandwidth is to further enhance robustness against possible inter-device interference and, in some cases, avoid poor channel state conditions.

[0055] According to a third aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objectives are achieved with a method for a first communication device, the method comprises: performing a first data transmission to a second communication device in a first frequency bandwidth; and switching to perform a second data transmission to the second communication device in the first frequency bandwidth and in an additional second frequency bandwidth, wherein the additional second frequency bandwidth is arranged within an allowed frequency bandwidth range for data transmissions by the first communication device.

[0056] The method according to the third aspect can be extended into implementation forms corresponding to the implementation forms of the first communication device according to the first aspect. Hence, an implementation form of the method comprises the feature(s) of the corresponding implementation form of the first communication device.

[0057] The advantages of the methods according to the third aspect are the same as those for the corresponding implementation forms of the first communication device according to the first aspect.

[0058] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objectives are achieved with a method for a second communication device, the method comprises: receiving a first data transmission from a first communication device in a first frequency bandwidth; and receiving a second data transmission from the first communication device in the first frequency bandwidth and in an additional second frequency bandwidth, wherein the additional second frequency bandwidth is arranged within an allowed frequency bandwidth range for data transmissions by the first communication device.

[0059] The method according to the fourth aspect can be extended into implementation forms corresponding to the implementation forms of the second communication device according to the second aspect. Hence, an implementation form of the method comprises the feature(s) of the corresponding implementation form of the second communication device.

[0060] The advantages of the methods according to the fourth aspect are the same as those for the corresponding implementation forms of the second communication device according to the second aspect.

[0061] Embodiments of the invention also relate to a computer program, characterized in program code, which when run by at least one processor causes the at least one processor to execute any method according to embodiments of the invention. Further, embodiments of the invention also relate to a computer program product comprising a computer readable medium and the mentioned computer program, wherein the computer program is included in the computer readable medium, and may comprises one or more from the group of: read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), flash memory, electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), hard disk drive, etc.

[0062] Further applications and advantages of embodiments of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description.

[0063] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0064] The appended drawings are intended to clarify and explain different embodiments of the invention, in which:

[0065] - Fig. 1 shows a first communication device according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0066] - Fig. 2 shows a flow chart of a method for a first communication device according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0067] - Fig. 3 shows a second communication device according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0068] - Fig. 4 shows a flow chart of a method for a second communication device according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0069] - Fig. 5 shows a communication system according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0070] - Fig. 6 shows a signaling diagram illustrating further embodiments of the invention;

[0071] - Fig. 7 illustrates an example of a frequency layout according to an embodiment of the invention; and

[0072] - Fig. 8 illustrates further embodiments of the invention.

[0073] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0074] BWP-based operations in NR thus provide substantial flexibility, when compared with previous network generations such as LTE. Several conditions may prompt a BWP switch, including, poor conditions in the active BWP, need for larger bandwidth / throughput, or power saving requirement and less throughput requirements. While the gains could be considerable, it is important to highlight that, during BWP switching, the UE needs to stop transmit / receive in order to retune, at least part of, its baseband and radio frequency (RF) modules to the target measurement object or BWP. Additionally, when the UE is switching to a target BWP, it typically does not have results of radio resource measurements in the target BWP. The advantages of BWP operations are multiple such as: reduce bandwidth processing requirements and adapt them to the received or transmitted signal bandwidth; enabling RF-baseband interface with a lower sampling rate; and UE power savings. BWP-based operations provide non-negligible flexibility in resource management and gains in UE power consumption.

[0075] However, BWP switching in NR is completely controlled by the network, either via configuration or via BWP switching commands. This limits the UE power savings, since the network may maintain the UE in a wide BWP, resulting in higher power consumption, even though the traffic requirements do not call for such a wide BWP. This is due to the fact that the channel and radio conditions in the target BWP are not a priori known at the network, unless appropriate measurements are utilized. Before receiving reference signals or channel reports from the UE, link adaptation decisions would not be optimal as the network cannot infer the channel and radio conditions in the target BWP. Consequently, the achievable throughput in the new active BWP can be limited.

[0076] Thus, it is herein disclosed a solution which captures a UE oriented approach in which BWP adaptation can be performed rapidly, without requiring a prerequisite of a trigger from the network. Consequently, the UE would be capable to use a smaller or a larger bandwidth, depending on the traffic requirements, without waiting for control signaling from the network. Rapid bandwidth adaptation enables to reap power saving gains at the UE in addition to being able to achieve traffic requirements in terms of latency, reliability and throughput.

[0077] Fig. 1 shows a first communication device 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the first communication device 100 comprises a processor 102, a transceiver 104 and a memory 106. The processor 102 is coupled to the transceiver 104 and the memory 106 by communication means 108 known in the art. The first communication device 100 may be configured for wireless and / or wired communications in a communication system. The wireless communication capability may be provided with an antenna or antenna array 110 coupled to the transceiver 104, while the wired communication capability may be provided with a wired communication interface 112 e.g., coupled to the transceiver 104.

[0078] The processor 102 may be referred to as one or more general-purpose central processing units (CPUs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more programmable logic devices, one or more discrete gates, one or more transistor logic devices, one or more discrete hardware components, or one or more chipsets. The memory 106 may be a read-only memory, a random access memory (RAM), or a non-volatile RAM (NVRAM). The transceiver 104 may be a transceiver circuit, a power controller, or an interface providing capability to communicate with other communication modules or communication devices, such as network nodes and network servers. The transceiver 104, memory 106 and / or processor 102 may be implemented in separate chipsets or may be implemented in a common chipset. That the first communication device 100 is configured to perform certain actions can in this disclosure be understood to mean that the first communication device 100 comprises suitable means, such as e.g., the processor 102 and the transceiver 104, configured to perform the actions.

[0079] According to embodiments of the invention the first communication device 100 is configured to: perform a first data transmission 540 to a second communication device 300 in a first frequency bandwidth : and switch to perform a second data transmission 550 to the second communication device 300 in the first frequency bandwidth and in an additional second frequency bandwidth f2, wherein the additional second frequency bandwidth f2is arranged within an allowed frequency bandwidth range for data transmissions by the first communication device 100.

[0080] Furthermore, in an embodiment of the invention, the first communication device 100 for a communication system 500 comprises a transceiver configured to: perform a first data transmission 540 to a second communication device 300 in a first frequency bandwidth and switch to perform a second data transmission 550 to the second communication device 300 in the first frequency bandwidth and in an additional second frequency bandwidth f2, wherein the additional second frequency bandwidth f2is arranged within an allowed frequency bandwidth range for data transmissions by the first communication device 100.

[0081] Moreover, in yet another embodiment of the invention, the first communication device 100 for a communication system 500 comprises a processor and a memory having computer readable instructions stored thereon which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: perform a first data transmission 540 to a second communication device 300 in a first frequency bandwidth and switch to perform a second data transmission 550 to the second communication device 300 in the first frequency bandwidth and in an additional second frequency bandwidth f2, wherein the additional second frequency bandwidth f2is arranged within an allowed frequency bandwidth range for data transmissions by the first communication device 100.

[0082] Fig. 2 shows a flow chart of a corresponding method 200 which may be executed in a first communication device 100, such as the one shown in Fig. 1. The method 200 comprises: performing a first data transmission 540 to a second communication device 300 in a first frequency bandwidth and switch to performing a second data transmission 550 to the second communication device 300 in the first frequency bandwidth and in an additional second frequency bandwidth f2, wherein the additional second frequency bandwidth f2is arranged within an allowed frequency bandwidth range for data transmissions by the first communication device 100. Fig. 3 shows a second communication device 300 according to an embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the second communication device 300 comprises a processor 302, a transceiver 304 and a memory 306. The processor 302 is coupled to the transceiver 304 and the memory 306 by communication means 308 known in the art. The second communication device 300 may be configured for wireless and / or wired communications in a communication system. The wireless communication capability may be provided with an antenna or antenna array 310 coupled to the transceiver 304, while the wired communication capability may be provided with a wired communication interface 312 e.g., coupled to the transceiver 304.

[0083] The processor 302 may be referred to as one or more general-purpose CPUs, one or more DSPs, one or more ASICs, one or more FPGAs, one or more programmable logic devices, one or more discrete gates, one or more transistor logic devices, one or more discrete hardware components, one or more chipsets. The memory 306 may be a read-only memory, a RAM, or a NVRAM. The transceiver 304 may be a transceiver circuit, a power controller, or an interface providing capability to communicate with other communication modules or communication devices. The transceiver 304, the memory 306 and / or the processor 302 may be implemented in separate chipsets or may be implemented in a common chipset. That the second communication device 300 is configured to perform certain actions can in this disclosure be understood to mean that the second communication device 300 comprises suitable means, such as e.g., the processor 302 and the transceiver 304, configured to perform the actions.

[0084] According to embodiments of the invention the second communication device 300 is configured to: receive a first data transmission 540 from a first communication device 100 in a first frequency bandwidth and receive a second data transmission 550 from the first communication device 100 in the first frequency bandwidth and in an additional second frequency bandwidth f2, wherein the additional second frequency bandwidth f2is arranged within an allowed frequency bandwidth range for data transmissions by the first communication device 100.

[0085] Furthermore, in an embodiment of the invention, the second communication device 300 for a communication system 500 comprises a transceiver configured to: receive a first data transmission 540 from a first communication device 100 in a first frequency bandwidth and receive a second data transmission 550 from the first communication device 100 in the first frequency bandwidth and in an additional second frequency bandwidth f2, wherein the additional second frequency bandwidth f2is arranged within an allowed frequency bandwidth range for data transmissions by the first communication device 100.

[0086] Moreover, in yet another embodiment of the invention, the second communication device 300 for a communication system 500 comprises a processor and a memory having computer readable instructions stored thereon which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: receive a first data transmission 540 from a first communication device 100 in a first frequency bandwidth and receive a second data transmission 550 from the first communication device 100 in the first frequency bandwidth and in an additional second frequency bandwidth f2, wherein the additional second frequency bandwidth f2is arranged within an allowed frequency bandwidth range for data transmissions by the first communication device 100.

[0087] Fig. 4 shows a flow chart of a corresponding method 400 which may be executed in a second communication device 300, such as the one shown in Fig. 3. The method 400 comprises: receiving a first data transmission 540 from a first communication device 100 in a first frequency bandwidth ; and receiving a second data transmission 550 from the first communication device 100 in the first frequency bandwidth and in an additional second frequency bandwidth f2, wherein the additional second frequency bandwidth f2is arranged within an allowed frequency bandwidth range for data transmissions by the first communication device 100. Fig. 5 shows a communication system 500 according to an embodiment of the invention. The communication system 500 in the disclosed embodiment comprises a first communication device 100 and a second communication device 300 configured to communicate and operate in the communication system 500. For simplicity, the shown communication system 500 only comprises one first communication device 100 and one second communication device 300. However, the communication system 500 may comprise any number of first communication devices 100 and any number of second communication devices 300 without deviating from the scope of the invention.

[0088] In Fig. 5, the first communication device 100 is configured as a client device such as a UE while the second communication device 300 is configured as a network access node such as a gNB. However, embodiments of the invention are to limited thereto. It is shown in Fig. 5 how the UE 100 performs a first data transmission 540 to the gNB 300 in a first frequency bandwidth f±, and thereafter switches to perform a second data transmission 550 to the gNB 300 in the first frequency bandwidth and in an additional second frequency bandwidth f2. The additional second frequency bandwidth f2is arranged within an allowed frequency bandwidth range for data transmissions by the UE 100 according to embodiments of the invention.

[0089] Further details related to embodiments of the invention will now be described in a 3GPP 5G context. Thus, 3GPP 5G terminology, definitions, expressions and system architecture will be used. Especially, the first communication device 100 may in these embodiments be configured to perform any of the described functions of a 3GPP UE while the second communication device 300 in these embodiments be configured to perform any of the described functions of a 3GPP gNB. It may however be noted that embodiments of the invention are not limited thereto.

[0090] Fig. 6 shows a signaling diagram illustrating signaling performed between the UE 100 and the gNB 300 according to different aspects of the invention.

[0091] Before steps I - XII are performed in Fig. 6, a general configuration of the UE 100 is executed through conventional system procedures denoted “Configuration” in Fig. 6 where capability transfer may be performed such that the gNB 300 is informed about the capabilities of the UE 100. Further, conventional RRC configuration of the UE 100 may be performed by the gNB 300 by transmitting RRC control signal(s) to the UE 100. The RRC control signal configures the UE 100 with BWPs. The network in 5G NR can configure the UE 100 with up to four BWPs in the uplink (UL) and in the downlink (DL), respectively. These BWPs may have different sizes and locations in the carrier bandwidth. At any point in time, there is only one active DL BWP and one active UL BWP that may be used by the UE 100.

[0092] BWP adaptation in NR is performed through BWP switching, i.e., deactivating an active BWP and activating an inactive BWP. The switching of BWPs can be performed in several manners. In RRC reconfiguration-based BWP switching is used to select the first active BWP upon RRC configuration / reconfiguration for an SpCell and upon SCell activation. In downlink control information (DCI)-based BWP switching, wherein the network may command the UE 100 to switch active UL / DL BWP using an indication in DCI format l_l / 0_l . In order to use timer-based BWP switching, the network configures the UE 100 with a default DL BWP and a BWP inactivity timer. The initial BWP is assumed to be the default one, if the configuration does not specify otherwise.

[0093] In paired spectrum (i.e., FDD), UL and DL BWPs are configured separately. For unpaired spectrum (i.e., TDD), a DL BWP and an UL BWP with the same indices are linked and switched together which means that a DL BWP is effectively a DL / UL BWP pair in this case. It is also noted that BWP switching requires a delay during which the UE 100 cannot transmit or receive during BWP switching. The delay for BWP switching depends on the UE capabilities and may comprise a delay to decode the DCI that contains BWP switching command for DCI-based BWP switching, RF retuning, and parameter reconfiguration and validation of the baseband module. After having been configured by the network, the UE 100 adapts its transceiver to the configured active BWP by tuning the baseband module and the RF chain thereto. Other adaptation may also be performed by the UE 100.

[0094] The first message 510 may be denoted first control message and may be an RRC message or any other suitable control message.

[0095] In step II in Fig. 6, the UE 100 receives the first message 510 from the gNB 300. The UE 100 demodulates and decodes the first message 510 so as to derive the allowed frequency bandwidth range. The UE 100 may use parts or all of the bandwidth of the allowed frequency bandwidth range without prior indication of the network for a subsequent data transmission.

[0096] In step III in Fig. 6, the UE 100 performs a first data transmission 540 to the gNB 300 in a first frequency bandwidth f±. The first data transmission 540 is performed according to the previous mentioned general configuration which includes the adaptation of the baseband module and RF chains to the first frequency bandwidth f±.

[0097] In step IV in Fig. 6, the gNB 300 receives the first data transmission 540 from the UE 100 in the first frequency bandwidth f±. The gNB 300 demodulates and decodes the first data transmission 540 according to conventional techniques so as to derive the data / information in the first data transmission 540.

[0098] In step V in Fig. 6, the UE 100 transmits a second message 520 to the gNB 300. The second message 520 indicates one or more in a group comprising: a bandwidth and a frequency location of the additional second frequency bandwidth f2, a time duration of using the additional second frequency bandwidth f2, and a second set of link adaptation parameters for the second data transmission 550 in the additional second frequency bandwidth f2.

[0099] The second message 520 may be denoted second control message and may be a control information in a physical control channel, e.g. , in a uplink control information (UCI) message, or a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) message.

[0100] In step VI in Fig. 6, the gNB 300 receives the second message 520 from the UE 100. The gNB 300 demodulates and decodes the second message 520 so as to derive the information therein. By receiving the second message 520, the gNB 300 will be informed about the second frequency bandwidth f2and the second data transmission 550. Thereby, the gNB 300 can adapt to the parameters in the second message 520, i.e., a bandwidth and a frequency location of the additional second frequency bandwidth f2, a time duration of using the additional second frequency bandwidth f2, and a second set of link adaptation parameters for the second data transmission 550 in the additional second frequency bandwidth f2.

[0101] Indeed, the second message 520 is used in order to avoid ambiguity and to guarantee that the gNB 300 can receive the transmissions in the additional second frequency bandwidth f2. This means that the gNB 300 needs to know the bandwidth and a frequency location of the additional second frequency bandwidth f2which translates to knowing the PRBs in which the data transmission will be performed. Additionally, by knowing the second set of link adaptation parameters, the gNB 300 would be informed of the MCS and waveform used by the UE 100 for its data transmission. This is critical as it conditions the receiver parameters. Finally, when UE activity in the additional second frequency bandwidth is limited in time, indicating a time duration of using the additional second frequency bandwidth f2enables the gNB 300 to know when to switch back to reception in the first frequency bandwidth only, thereby avoiding further signaling.

[0102] In step VII in Fig. 6, the UE 100 switches so as to perform a second data transmission 550 to the gNB 300 in the first frequency bandwidth and in an additional second frequency bandwidth f2. As previously mentioned, the additional second frequency bandwidth f2is arranged within an allowed frequency bandwidth range for data transmissions by the UE 100.

[0103] The UE 100 for performing the second data transmission 550 adapts the baseband module and the RF chains to the first frequency bandwidth and the additional second frequency bandwidth f2. This adaptation may involve changing the Fourier transform size, bandpass filtering, number of transmit antennas, number of reference signal ports, etc.

[0104] In the UE-initiated switching herein disclosed different conditions and parameters may be considered for triggering the UE 100 to switch to the second data transmission 550. Therefore, the UE 100 may be configured to switch to perform the second data transmission 550 based on one or more requirements associated with the second data transmission 550 in a group comprising: a throughput requirement, a reliability requirement, a quality of experience requirement, a power consumption requirement, and a latency requirement.

[0105] The throughput requirement may indeed be more stringent for upcoming data transmissions. In this case, the UE 100 may expand its transmission bandwidth by using both the first and the additional second frequency bandwidths, boosting the achievable throughput, when compared to transmissions only within the first bandwidth.

[0106] The reliability requirement may indeed be more stringent for upcoming data transmissions. In this case, the UE 100 may expand its transmission bandwidth by using both the first and the additional second frequency bandwidths, thereby leveraging the additional frequency resources for frequency-domain repetition. Consequently, increasing the reliability of the data transmission.

[0107] The quality of experience requirement refers to the user perceived quality of experience (QoE) which is subject to the application generating the data to transmit. QoE and quality of service (QoS) differ since the interactions of the user with the application can change the required QoS (such as latency, reliability and throughput) for a given QoE. The proposed solution enables the UE 100 to adapt its transmissions, especially active bandwidth, depending on the perceived QoE which can be a local information, i.e., not exchanged over the air interface.

[0108] The power consumption requirement is critical for the UE 100. The proposed solution can be used for power consumption reduction since it enables to maintain the UE activity within a limited first frequency bandwidth, reducing power consumption, and only using more frequency for transmission, i.e., first and second frequency bandwidths, only when it is needed.

[0109] The latency requirement may indeed be more stringent for upcoming data transmissions. In this case, increasing the frequency resources may enable more robust transmission for the same volume of data, e.g., using a lower modulation order and a higher coding rate.

[0110] Furthermore, when implementing the herein disclosed solution considerations may be taken regarding the design or the layout of the bandwidths / frequencies employed. Thus, in embodiments of the invention, the first frequency bandwidth and the additional second frequency bandwidth f2are arranged on the same frequency carrier for bandwidth management. In further embodiments of the invention, a sum of the first frequency bandwidth f±and the additional second frequency bandwidth f2equals a bandwidth of a previously configured candidate BWP for the UE 100 which will reduce the delay for potential subsequent switching to the configured candidate BWP. The configured candidate BWP may be one of the preconfigured BWPs for the UE 100 as previously mentioned.

[0111] The location of the first and second frequency bandwidths in the frequency domain may also be designed. Thus, in embodiments of the invention, the first frequency bandwidth and the additional second frequency bandwidth f2are continuously arranged in the frequency band as illustrated in Fig. 7 in which the x-axis shows time and the y-axis frequency. This may also imply that the first frequency bandwidth f±and the allowed frequency bandwidth range fallowedarecontinuously arranged in the frequency band as also shown in Fig. 7. However, the first frequency bandwidth f±may be discontinuous with the additional second frequency bandwidth f2which means that the allowed frequency bandwidth range fallowed is continuous or discontinuous with the first frequency bandwidth f±.

[0112] Moreover, link adaptation is another important aspect for achieving high performance in data transmissions. Thus, the UE 100 may perform the second data transmission 550 in the first frequency bandwidth f±based on a first set of link adaptation parameters and perform the second data transmission 550 in the additional second frequency bandwidth f2based on a second set of link adaptation parameters different to the first set of link adaptation parameters.

[0113] In embodiments of the invention, the first set of link adaptation parameters and a set of link adaptation parameters for the first data transmission 540 in the first frequency bandwidth f±are the same. Therefore, the first set of link adaptation parameters comprises any of: a first modulation scheme, a first transmission power, a first waveform, a first precoding, and a first code rate, while the second set of link adaptation parameters comprises any of: a second modulation scheme, a second transmission power, a second waveform, a second precoding, and a second code rate.

[0114] The link adaptation parameters relate to different aspects of the data transmission where:

[0115] • The modulation scheme refers to the modulation method and order used for data transmission.

[0116] • The transmission power or power control parameters used to define the level of transmit power the UE 100 is going to use for the data transmission. This has an impact on the achievable coverage, KPIs and power consumption of the UE 100, especially due to the power amplifier.

[0117] • The waveform could e.g., be orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) or discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-S-OFDM). Different waveforms have different PAPR and spectral efficiency characteristics.

[0118] • The precoding can be codebook based or non-codebook based precoding.

[0119] • The code rate defines the ratio between the total size of data bits and the total size of transmitted bits. For more robust transmission, a higher number of bits for forward error correction (FEC) coding may be used.

[0120] Regarding the second set of link adaptation parameters, the UE 100 may be configured to select such link adaptation parameters in different ways.

[0121] In a first example, the second set of link adaptation parameters is selected based on the first set of link adaptation parameters and an associated selection rule. In this case, the second set of link adaptation parameters may be selected as an adaptation of the first set of link adaptation parameters, assuming higher interference in the allowed frequency region. This adaptation may be, a preconfigured drop in MCS index, a UE-selected drop in MCS index, a power increase with predefined step or a UE- selected power boosting value.

[0122] In a second example, the second set of link adaptation parameters is selected from a plurality of configured sets of link adaptation parameters. In this case, the UE 100 is configured with sets of link adaptation parameters from which one is selected to be used in the second frequency bandwidth. This selection can be further informed by the estimated channel and interference conditions in the first frequency bandwidth.

[0123] In step VIII in Fig. 6, the gNB 300 receives the second data transmission 550 from the UE 100. The gNB 300 demodulates and decodes the second data transmission 550 according to conventional techniques so as to derive the information in the second data transmission 550. The first data transmission 540 and the second data transmission 550 may be any suitable type of data transmission such as physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH).

[0124] HARQ procedures are commonly employed in communication systems for improving the robustness and reducing the error rate of data transmissions. The present solution can implement HARQ procedures, but it is envisaged that the second data transmission 550 in the first frequency bandwidth is performed according to a first HARQ procedure while the second data transmission 550 in the additional second frequency bandwidth f2is performed according to a second HARQ procedure different to the first HARQ procedure. Thereby, different channel conditions may be handled differently for improved performance of the data transmissions. This means that the UE 100 and the gNB 300 either employ the first HARQ procedure or the second HARQ depending on the frequency bandwidth used for the second data transmission 550.

[0125] The HARQ procedures may involve FEC and automatic repeat request (ARQ). While FEC involves adding redundant bits to the transmitted data to enable error correction, ARQ refers to procedure of sending a retransmission request if the received data is not decoded correctly. Currently, there is no explicit HARQ acknowledgement / negative acknowledgement (ACK / NACK) for PUSCH. If the gNB 300 does not send a retransmission request (i.e., DCI 0_0 / 0_l with NDI not toggled) for a certain period of time, the UE 100 may assume that the PUSCH is successfully received and decoded by the gNB 300. Since the UE 100 performs the second transmission in two frequency bandwidths, the UL TB may be divided in two parts, a part that is processed in the expanded region and a part that is processed in the active BWP. The HARQ retransmission request from the gNB 300 may be sent for only the data transmitted in the allowed frequency bandwidth range. At least 2 bits in the new data indicator (NDI) field or for all the TB sent following the BWP expansion. The difference between the first and second HARQ procedures lies in the part of the transmission they handle, wherein the first HARQ procedure relates to transmissions and retransmissions in the first frequency bandwidth and the second the HARQ procedure relates to transmissions and retransmissions in the second frequency bandwidth.

[0126] In step IX in Fig. 6, the gNB 300 transmits a third message 530 to the UE 100. The third message 530 indicates an instruction to perform a third data transmission 560 in a third frequency bandwidth / 3. The third frequency bandwidth / 3is arranged outside the allowed frequency bandwidth range or partially arranged within the allowed frequency bandwidth range depending on the application. The third message 530 may be a DCI or a MAC CE.

[0127] In step X in Fig. 6, the UE 100 receives the third message 530 from the gNB 300. The UE 100 demodulates and decodes the third message 530 so as to derive the instruction to perform the third data transmission 560. The UE 100 prepares for the third data transmission 560 by adapting its baseband module and RF chain to the third frequency bandwidth / 3.

[0128] In step XI in Fig. 6, the UE 100 therefore switches to perform the third data transmission 560 in the third frequency bandwidth / 3to the gNB 300 after having performed the second data transmission 550.

[0129] The UE 100 may also be trigged to perform a third data transmission 560 in a third frequency bandwidth / 3when a timer associated with the second data transmission 550 expires. This timer can be configured so as to limit UE activity in frequency bandwidth located, at least partially, within the allowed frequency bandwidth range. This timer can be used as a method to limit inter-UE interference. In step XII in Fig. 6, the gNB 300 receives the third data transmission 560 in a third frequency bandwidth / 3from the UE 100 after having received the second data transmission 550. The gNB 300 demodulates and decodes the third data transmission 560 according to conventional techniques so as to derive the information in the third data transmission 560. The third data transmission 560 may be of the same type as the first 540 and second 550 data transmissions.

[0130] Fig. 8 finally illustrates further embodiments of the invention involving two UEs, a first UE denoted “UE1” and a second UE denoted “UE2”.

[0131] At time instance T1 in Fig. 8, UE1 and UE2 measure synchronization signal block (SSB) during an initial access procedure.

[0132] At time instance T2 in Fig. 8, UE1 and UE2 use their initial BWP to perform initial access processing. It can also be used as a default BWP if no default BWP is configured.

[0133] At time instance T3 in Fig. 8, UE1 performs a first data transmission in a first frequency bandwidth fUE1, configured for UE1.

[0134] At time instance T4 in Fig. 8, UE2 performs a first data transmission in a first frequency bandwidth fEE2i configured for UE2.

[0135] At time instance T5 in Fig. 8, UE1 switches to perform a second data transmission in a second frequency bandwidth fEE1 2for UE1 following the first data transmission since it has realized the need to expand the active bandwidth so as to meet new requirements as previously explained.

[0136] At time instance T6 in Fig. 8, UE2 also switches to perform a second data transmission in a second frequency bandwidth fEE2 2for UE2 following the first data transmission. Also, UE2 has realized the need to expand the active bandwidth so as to meet new requirements.

[0137] It is noted that the second frequency bandwidth fEE1 2for UE1 and the second frequency bandwidth fEE2 2for UE2 does not overlap in the allowed frequency bandwidth range fallowed butareseparated so as to avoid frequency collision. In this respect a guard band may be defined which is illustrated as a dark section in Fig. 8. Also, other solutions may be used for avoiding collision such as TDM, orthogonal multiplexing codes, etc.

[0138] A network access node herein may also be denoted as a radio network access node, an access network access node, an access point (AP), or a base station (BS), e.g., a radio base station (RBS), which in some networks may be referred to as transmitter, “gNB”, “gNodeB”, “eNB”, “eNodeB”, “NodeB” or “B node”, depending on the standard, technology and terminology used. The radio network access node may be of different classes or types such as e.g., macro eNodeB, home eNodeB or pico base station, based on transmission power and thereby the cell size. The radio network access node may further be a station, which is any device that contains an IEEE 802.11-conformant media access control (MAC) and physical layer (PHY) interface to the wireless medium (WM). The radio network access node may be configured for communication in 3GPP related long term evolution (LTE), LTE-advanced, fifth generation (5G) wireless systems, such as new radio (NR) and their evolutions, as well as in IEEE related Wi-Fi, worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) and their evolutions. A client device herein may be denoted as a user device, a user equipment (UE), a mobile station, an internet of things (loT) device, a sensor device, a wireless terminal a mobile terminal, and / or any communication apparatus (e.g. chip or chipset) that is configured to and / or is enabled to communicate wirelessly in a wireless communication system, sometimes also referred to as a cellular radio system. The UEs may further be referred to as mobile telephones, cellular telephones, computer tablets or laptops with wireless capability. The UEs in this context may be, for example, portable, pocket-storable, hand-held, computer- comprised, or vehicle-mounted mobile devices, enabled to communicate voice and / or data, via a radio access network (RAN), with another communication entity, such as another receiver or a server. The UE may further be a station, which is any device that contains an IEEE 802.11 -conformant MAC and PHY interface to the WM. The UE may be configured for communication in 3GPP related LTE, LTE-advanced, 5G wireless systems, such as NR, and their evolutions, as well as in IEEE related Wi-Fi, WiMAX and their evolutions.

[0139] Furthermore, any method according to embodiments of the invention may be implemented in a computer program, having code means, which when run by processing means causes the processing means to execute the steps of the method. The computer program is included in a computer readable medium of a computer program product. The computer readable medium may comprise essentially any memory, such as previously mentioned a ROM, a PROM, an EPROM, a flash memory, an EEPROM, or a hard disk drive.

[0140] Moreover, it should be realized that the first communication device 100 and the second communication device 300 comprise the necessary communication capabilities in the form of e.g., functions, means, units, elements, etc., for performing or implementing embodiments of the invention. Examples of other such means, units, elements and functions are: processors, memory, buffers, control logic, encoders, decoders, rate matchers, de-rate matchers, mapping units, multipliers, decision units, selecting units, switches, interleavers, de-interleavers, modulators, demodulators, inputs, outputs, antennas, amplifiers, receiver units, transmitter units, DSPs, TCM encoder, TCM decoder, power supply units, power feeders, communication interfaces, communication protocols, etc. which are suitably arranged together for performing the solution.

[0141] Therefore, the processors) of the first communication device 100 and the second communication device 300 may comprise, e.g., one or more instances of a CPU, a processing unit, a processing circuit, a processor, an ASIC, a microprocessor, or other processing logic that may interpret and execute instructions. The expression “processor” may thus represent a processing circuitry comprising aplurality of processing circuits, such as e.g., any, some or all of the ones mentioned above. The processing circuitry may further perform data processing functions for inputting, outputting, and processing of data comprising data buffering and device control functions, such as call processing control, user interface control, or the like.

[0142] Finally, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but also relates to and incorporates all embodiments within the scope of the appended independent claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A first communication device (100) configured to: perform a first data transmission (540) to a second communication device (300) in a first frequency bandwidth ( / i); and switch to perform a second data transmission (550) to the second communication device (300) in the first frequency bandwidth (j ) and in an additional second frequency bandwidth ( / 2), wherein the additional second frequency bandwidth ( / 2) is arranged within an allowed frequency bandwidth range for data transmissions by the first communication device (100).

2. The first communication device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first frequency bandwidth (j ) and the additional second frequency bandwidth ( / 2) are arranged on a same frequency carrier.

3. The first communication device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, configured to: receive a first message (510) from the second communication device (300), the first message (510) indicating the allowed frequency bandwidth range.

4. The first communication device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a sum of the first frequency bandwidth (j ) and the additional second frequency bandwidth ( / 2) equals a bandwidth of a configured candidate bandwidth part for the first communication device (100).

5. The first communication device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first frequency bandwidth (j ) and the additional second frequency bandwidth ( / 2) are continuously arranged in the frequency band.

6. The first communication device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first frequency bandwidth (j ) and the allowed frequency bandwidth range are continuously arranged in the frequency band.

7. The first communication device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, configured to: switch to perform the second data transmission (550) based on one or more in a group comprising: a throughput requirement, a reliability requirement, a quality of experience requirement, a power consumption requirement, and a latency requirement for the second data transmission (550).

8. The first communication device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, configured to: perform the second data transmission (550) in the first frequency bandwidth (j ) based on a first set of link adaptation parameters; and perform the second data transmission (550) in the additional second frequency bandwidth ( / 2) based on a second set of link adaptation parameters different to the first set of link adaptation parameters.

9. The first communication device (100) according to claim 8, wherein the first set of link adaptation parameters and a set of link adaptation parameters for the first data transmission (540) in the first frequency bandwidth (j ) are the same.

10. The first communication device (100) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the first set of link adaptation parameters comprises any of: a first modulation scheme, a first transmission power, a first waveform, a first precoding, and a first code rate; and the second set of link adaptation parameters comprises any of: a second modulation scheme, a second transmission power, a second waveform, a second precoding, and a second code rate.

11. The first communication device (100) according to claim 10, wherein the second set of link adaptation parameters is selected: based on the first set of link adaptation parameters and an associated selection rule, or from a plurality of configured sets of link adaptation parameters.

12. The first communication device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, configured to: transmit a second message (520) to the second communication device (300), the second message (520) indicating one or more in a group comprising: a bandwidth and a frequency location of the additional second frequency bandwidth ( / 2), a time duration of using the additional second frequency bandwidth (f2), and a second set of link adaptation parameters for the second data transmission (550) in the additional second frequency bandwidth ( / 2).

14. The first communication device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, configured to: switch to perform a third data transmission (560) in a third frequency bandwidth ( / 3) after having performed the second data transmission (550), the third frequency bandwidth ( / 3) being arranged outside the allowed frequency bandwidth range or partially arranged within the allowed frequency bandwidth range.

16. The first communication device (100) according to claim 15, wherein at least one frequency bandwidth parameter associated with the third frequency bandwidth ( / 3) is equal to a frequency bandwidth parameter of a configured bandwidth part or a configured frequency bandwidth for the first communication device (100).

17. The first communication device (100) according to any one of claims 14 to 16, configured to: switch to perform the third data transmission (560) in the third frequency bandwidth ( / 3) upon expiry of a timer associated with the second data transmission (550); or switch to perform the third data transmission (560) in the third frequency bandwidth ( / 3) upon reception of a third message (530) from the second communication device (300), the third message (530) indicating an instruction to perform the third data transmission (560) in the third frequency bandwidth ( / 3).

18. A second communication device (300) configured to: receive a first data transmission (540) from a first communication device (100) in a first frequency bandwidth ( / i); and19. The second communication device (300) according to claim 18, configured to: transmit a first message (510) to the first communication device (100) before receiving the second data transmission (550), the first message (510) indicating the allowed frequency bandwidth range.receive the second data transmission (550) in the additional second frequency bandwidth (A) according to a second HARQ procedure different to the first HARQ procedure.

23. The second communication device (300) to any one of claims 18 to 22, configured to: transmit a third message (530) to the first communication device (100) before receiving the third data transmission (560), the third message (530) indicating an instruction to perform the third data transmission (560) in the third frequency bandwidth (A).

24. A method (200) for a first communication device (100), the method (200) comprising: performing (202) a first data transmission (540) to a second communication device (300) in a first frequency bandwidth ( ); and switching (204) to perform a second data transmission (550) to the second communication device (300) in the first frequency bandwidth (A) and in an additional second frequency bandwidth (A), wherein the additional second frequency bandwidth (A) is arranged within an allowed frequency bandwidth range for data transmissions by the first communication device (100).

25. A method (400) for a second communication device (300), the method (400) comprising: receiving (402) a first data transmission (540) from a first communication device (100) in a first frequency bandwidth (A); and receiving (404) a second data transmission (550) from the first communication device (100) in the first frequency bandwidth (A) and in an additional second frequency bandwidth (A), wherein the additional second frequency bandwidth (A) is arranged within an allowed frequency bandwidth range for data transmissions by the first communication device (100).

26. A computer program with a program code for performing a method according to claim 24 or 25 when the computer program runs on a computer.

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