Fallback for unequal carrier bandwidth in fragmented carriers

Abstract

Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for a fallback for unequal carrier bandwidth in fragmented carriers. A method may include receiving, from a network element via a network connection, a transmission schedule over a bandwidth of a first component carrier and a bandwidth of a second component carrier. The method may also include performing measurements on the second component carrier and on the first component carrier comprising a second bandwidth part of the first component carrier and a first bandwidth part of the first component carrier. The method may further include receiving, from the network element based on the measurements, a scheduling restriction on the second bandwidth part of the first component carrier. Additionally, the method may include restricting transmission to the network element based on the scheduling restriction.

Description

FALLBACK FOR UNEQUAL CARRIER BANDWIDTH INFRAGMENTED CARRIERSFIELD:

[0001] Some example embodiments may generally relate to mobile or wireless telecommunication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) or fifth generation (5G) new radio (NR) access technology, or 5G beyond, or sixth generation (6G) access technology, or other communications systems. For example, certain example embodiments may relate to a fallback for unequal carrier bandwidth in fragmented carriers.BACKGROUND:

[0002] Examples of mobile or wireless telecommunication systems may include the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Long Term Evolution (LTE) Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), MulteFire, LTE-A Pro, fifth generation (5G) radio access technology or new radio (NR) access technology and / or sixth generation (6G) radio access technology. Fifth generation (5G) and sixth generation (6G) wireless systems refer to the next generation (NG) of radio systems and network architecture. 5G and 6G network technology is mostly based on new radio (NR) technology, but the 5G / 6G (or NG) network can also build on E-UTRAN radio. It is estimated that NR may provide bitrates on the order of 10-20 Gbit / s or higher, and may support at least enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and ultra-reliable low- latency communication (URLLC) as well as massive machine-type communication (mMTC). NR is expected to deliver extreme broadband and ultra-robust, low-latency connectivity and massive networking to support the Internet of Things (loT).SUMMARY:

[0003] Some example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include performing, by a network element via a network connection, measurements on a second component carrier, a first component carrier comprising a second bandwidth part of the first component carrier, and a first bandwidth part of the first component carrier, wherein bandwidth of the first component carrier may be larger than a bandwidth of the second component carrier. The method may also include based on the measurements, performing at least one of reducing a bandwidth of the first component carrier to be the same as the bandwidth of the second component carrier, or applying an adaptive in-phase and quadrature image cancellation. Reduction of the bandwidth of the first component carrier to be the same as the bandwidth of the second component carrier may be performed by at least one of changing end frequency of the first component carrier, or changing a start frequency of the first component carrier.

[0004] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform, via a network connection, measurements on a second component carrier, a first component carrier comprising a second bandwidth part of the first component carrier, and a first bandwidth part of the first component carrier, wherein bandwidth of the first component carrier is larger than a bandwidth of the second component carrier. The apparatus may also be caused to, based on the measurements, perform at least one of reducing a bandwidth of the first component carrier to be the same as the bandwidth of the second component carrier, or applying an adaptive in- phase and quadrature image cancellation. Reduction of the bandwidth of the first component carrier to be the same as the bandwidth of the second component carrier may be performed by at least one of changing endfrequency of the first component carrier, or changing a start frequency of the first component carrier.

[0005] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for performing, via a network connection, measurements on a second component carrier, a first component carrier comprising a second bandwidth part of the first component carrier, and a first bandwidth part of the first component carrier, wherein bandwidth of the first component carrier is larger than a bandwidth of the second component carrier. The apparatus may also include means for, based on the measurements, performing at least one of reducing a bandwidth of the first component carrier to be the same as the bandwidth of the second component carrier, or applying an adaptive in-phase and quadrature image cancellation. Reduction of the bandwidth of the first component carrier to be the same as the bandwidth of the second component carrier may be performed by at least one of changing end frequency of the first component carrier, or changing a start frequency of the first component carrier.

[0006] In accordance with other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may include performing, by a network element via a network connection, measurements on a second component carrier, a first component carrier comprising a second bandwidth part of the first component carrier, and a first bandwidth part of the first component carrier, wherein bandwidth of the first component carrier may be larger than a bandwidth of the second component carrier. The method may also include based on the measurements, performing at least one of reducing a bandwidth of the first component carrier to be the same as the bandwidth of the second component carrier, or applying an adaptive in-phase and quadrature image cancellation. Reduction of the bandwidth of the first component carrier to be the same as the bandwidth of the second component carrier may beperformed by at least one of changing end frequency of the first component carrier, or changing a start frequency of the first component carrier.

[0007] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include performing, by a network element via a network connection, measurements on a second component carrier, a first component carrier comprising a second bandwidth part of the first component carrier, and a first bandwidth part of the first component carrier, wherein bandwidth of the first component carrier may be larger than a bandwidth of the second component carrier. The method may also include based on the measurements, performing at least one of reducing a bandwidth of the first component carrier to be the same as the bandwidth of the second component carrier, or applying an adaptive in-phase and quadrature image cancellation. Reduction of the bandwidth of the first component carrier to be the same as the bandwidth of the second component carrier may be performed by at least one of changing end frequency of the first component carrier, or changing a start frequency of the first component carrier.

[0008] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to perform, via a network connection, measurements on a second component carrier, a first component carrier comprising a second bandwidth part of the first component carrier, and a first bandwidth part of the first component carrier, wherein bandwidth of the first component carrier is larger than a bandwidth of the second component carrier. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to, based on the measurements, perform at least one of reducing a bandwidth of the first component carrier to be the same as the bandwidth of the second component carrier, or applying an adaptive in-phase and quadrature image cancellation. Reduction of the bandwidth of the first component carrier to be the same as the bandwidth of the second component carrier may be performed by at least one of changing end frequency of the first component carrier, or changing astart frequency of the first component carrier.

[0009] Some example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include receiving, from a network element via a network connection, a transmission schedule over a bandwidth of a first component carrier and a bandwidth of a second component carrier. The method may also include performing measurements on the second component carrier and on the first component carrier comprising a second bandwidth part of the first component carrier and a first bandwidth part of the first component carrier. The method may further include receiving, from the network element based on the measurements, a scheduling restriction on the second bandwidth part of the first component carrier. Additionally the method may include restricting transmission to the network element based on the scheduling restriction.

[0010] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive, from a network element via a network connection, a transmission schedule over a bandwidth of a first component carrier and a bandwidth of a second component carrier. The apparatus may also be caused to perform measurements on the second component carrier and on the first component carrier comprising a second bandwidth part of the first component carrier and a first bandwidth part of the first component carrier. The apparatus may further be caused to receive, from the network element based on the measurements, a scheduling restriction on the second bandwidth part of the first component carrier. Additionally, the apparatus may be caused to restrict transmission to the network element based on the scheduling restriction.

[0011] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for receiving, from a network element via a network connection, a transmission schedule over a bandwidth of a firstcomponent carrier and a bandwidth of a second component carrier. The apparatus may also include means for performing measurements on the second component carrier and on the first component carrier comprising a second bandwidth part of the first component carrier and a first bandwidth part of the first component carrier. The apparatus may further include means for receiving, from the network element based on the measurements, a scheduling restriction on the second bandwidth part of the first component carrier. Additionally, the apparatus may include means for restricting transmission to the network element based on the scheduling restriction.

[0012] In accordance with other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may include receiving, from a network element via a network connection, a transmission schedule over a bandwidth of a first component carrier and a bandwidth of a second component carrier. The method may also include performing measurements on the second component carrier and on the first component carrier comprising a second bandwidth part of the first component carrier and a first bandwidth part of the first component carrier. The method may further include receiving, from the network element based on the measurements, a scheduling restriction on the second bandwidth part of the first component carrier. Additionally the method may include restricting transmission to the network element based on the scheduling restriction.

[0013] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include receiving, from a network element via a network connection, a transmission schedule over a bandwidth of a first component carrier and a bandwidth of a second component carrier. The method may also include performing measurements on the second component carrier and on the first component carrier comprising a second bandwidth part of the first component carrier and a first bandwidthpart of the first component carrier. The method may further include receiving, from the network element based on the measurements, a scheduling restriction on the second bandwidth part of the first component carrier. Additionally the method may include restricting transmission to the network element based on the scheduling restriction.

[0014] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to receive, from a network element via a network connection, a transmission schedule over a bandwidth of a first component carrier and a bandwidth of a second component carrier. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to perform measurements on the second component carrier and on the first component carrier comprising a second bandwidth part of the first component carrier and a first bandwidth part of the first component carrier. The apparatus may further include circuitry configured to receive, from the network element based on the measurements, a scheduling restriction on the second bandwidth part of the first component carrier. Additionally, the apparatus may include circuitry configured to restrict transmission to the network element based on the scheduling restriction.

[0015] Some example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include receiving, from a user equipment, measurements of a second component carrier, a first component carrier including a second bandwidth part of the first component carrier, and a first bandwidth part of the first component carrier. The method may also include reconfiguring, based on the measurements, the first component carrier to have a same bandwidth as a second component carrier. The method may further include receiving, from the user equipment, further measurements on at least the second bandwidth part of the first component carrier and the first bandwidth part of the first component carrier.

[0016] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. Theapparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive, from a user equipment, measurements of a second component carrier, a first component carrier including a second bandwidth part of the first component carrier, and a first bandwidth part of the first component carrier. The apparatus may also be caused to reconfigure, based on the measurements, the first component carrier to have a same bandwidth as a second component carrier. The apparatus may further be caused to receive, from the user equipment, further measurements on at least the second bandwidth part of the first component carrier and the first bandwidth part of the first component carrier.

[0017] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for receiving, from a user equipment, measurements of a second component carrier, a first component carrier including a second bandwidth part of the first component carrier, and a first bandwidth part of the first component carrier. The apparatus may also include means for reconfiguring, based on the measurements, the first component carrier to have a same bandwidth as a second component carrier. The apparatus may further include means for receiving, from the user equipment, further measurements on at least the second bandwidth part of the first component carrier and the first bandwidth part of the first component carrier.

[0018] In accordance with other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may include receiving, from a user equipment, measurements of a second component carrier, a first component carrier including a second bandwidth part of the first component carrier, and a first bandwidth part of the first component carrier. The method may also include reconfiguring, based on the measurements, the first component carrier to have a same bandwidth as a second component carrier.The method may further include receiving, from the user equipment, further measurements on at least the second bandwidth part of the first component carrier and the first bandwidth part of the first component carrier.

[0019] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include receiving, from a user equipment, measurements of a second component carrier, a first component carrier including a second bandwidth part of the first component carrier, and a first bandwidth part of the first component carrier. The method may also include reconfiguring, based on the measurements, the first component carrier to have a same bandwidth as a second component carrier. The method may further include receiving, from the user equipment, further measurements on at least the second bandwidth part of the first component carrier and the first bandwidth part of the first component carrier.

[0020] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to receive, from a user equipment, measurements of a second component carrier, a first component carrier including a second bandwidth part of the first component carrier, and a first bandwidth part of the first component carrier. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to reconfigure, based on the measurements, the first component carrier to have a same bandwidth as a second component carrier. The apparatus may further include circuitry configured to receive, from the user equipment, further measurements on a second bandwidth part of the first component carrier and the first bandwidth part of the first component carrier.

[0021] Some example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include scheduling a user equipment over a bandwidth of a first component carrier and a bandwidth of a second component carrier. The method may also include receiving, from the user equipment, measurements on a second bandwidth part of the first component carrier compared to a first bandwidth part of the first component carrier. The method may further includeapplying a scheduling restriction on the second bandwidth part of the first component carrier.

[0022] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to schedule a user equipment over a bandwidth of a first component carrier and a bandwidth of a second component carrier. The apparatus may also be caused to receive, from the user equipment, measurements on a second bandwidth part of the first component carrier compared to a first bandwidth part of the first component carrier. The apparatus may further be caused to apply a scheduling restriction on the second bandwidth part of the first component carrier.

[0023] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for scheduling a user equipment over a bandwidth of a first component carrier and a bandwidth of a second component carrier. The apparatus may also include means for receiving, from the user equipment, measurements on a second bandwidth part of the first component carrier compared to a first bandwidth part of the first component carrier. The apparatus may further include means for applying a scheduling restriction on the second bandwidth part of the first component carrier.

[0024] In accordance with other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may include scheduling a user equipment over a bandwidth of a first component carrier and a bandwidth of a second component carrier. The method may also include receiving, from the user equipment, measurements on a second bandwidth part of the first component carrier compared to a first bandwidth part of the first component carrier. The method may further include applying a scheduling restriction on the second bandwidth part of the first component carrier.

[0025] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include scheduling a user equipment over a bandwidth of a first component carrier and a bandwidth of a second component carrier. The method may also include receiving, from the user equipment, measurements on a second bandwidth part of the first component carrier compared to a first bandwidth part of the first component carrier. The method may further include applying a scheduling restriction on the second bandwidth part of the first component carrier.

[0026] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to schedule a user equipment over a bandwidth of a first component carrier and a bandwidth of a second component carrier. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to receive, from the user equipment, measurements on a second bandwidth part of the first component carrier compared to a first bandwidth part of the first component carrier. The apparatus may further include circuitry configured to apply a scheduling restriction on the second bandwidth part of the first component carrier.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

[0027] For proper understanding of example embodiments, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates examples of fragmented carriers.

[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates an example demodulation imbalance.

[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates an example in-gap interferer power level from the example of FIG. 2.

[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of setting up separate measurements, according to certain example embodiments.

[0032] FIG. 5 illustrates an example reconfiguration of component carrier 1 (CC1), according to certain example embodiments.

[0033] FIG. 6 illustrates an example reconfiguration of CC1 to match abandwidth (BW) of component carrier 2 (CC2), according to certain example embodiments.

[0034] FIG. 7A illustrates an example signal diagram, according to certain example embodiments.

[0035] FIG. 7B illustrates another example signal diagram, according to certain example embodiments.

[0036] FIG. 7C illustrates another example signal diagram, according to certain example embodiments.

[0037] FIG. 7D illustrates another example signal diagram, according to certain example embodiments.

[0038] FIG. 8 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method, according to certain example embodiments.

[0039] FIG. 9 illustrates an example flow diagram of another method, according to certain example embodiments.

[0040] FIG. 10 illustrates an example flow diagram of another method, according to certain example embodiments.

[0041] FIG. 11 illustrates an example flow diagram of another method, according to certain example embodiments.

[0042] FIG. 12 illustrates a set of apparatuses, according to certain example embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

[0043] It will be readily understood that the components of certain example embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. The following is a detailed description of some example embodiments of systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for fallback for unequal carrier bandwidth in fragmented carriers.

[0044] The features, structures, or characteristics of example embodimentsdescribed throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments. For example, the usage of the phrases “certain embodiments,” “an example embodiment,” “some embodiments,” or other similar language, throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in certain embodiments,” “an example embodiment,” “in some embodiments,” “in other embodiments,” or other similar language, throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same group of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments. Further, the terms “base station”, “cell”, “node”, “gNB”, “network” or other similar language throughout this specification may be used interchangeably.

[0045] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording, where the list of two or more elements are joined by “and” or “or,” mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all the elements.

[0046] FIG. 1 illustrates examples of fragmented carriers. As illustrated in FIG. 1, fragmented carriers correspond to non-contiguous intra-band carrier aggregation (NC IB CA). In FIG. 1, there are three operators of each band, and the bands represent a corresponding spectrum, which means that they have chunks that are scattered. The UE suffers in design to receive these scattered chunks because whenever the UE needs to receive one of the chunks, the UE has to put up a complete receive chain, which means that the UE needs to double its RX resources. Thus, there is a desire to explore the possibility of the UE to be able to receive despite the gap in the middle of the clusters, similar to contiguous carriers. As such, the clusters are fragmented carriersand not just non-contiguous intra-band carrier aggregation.

[0047] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the in-gap interferer can be several channels and even from more than one other operator. Some information of the channel usage may be provided by inter-operator communication / coordination. However, this may not provide any explicit information on the instantaneous use and power levels.

[0048] FIG. 2 illustrates an example demodulation imbalance, and FIG. 3 illustrates example in-gap interferer power levels from the example of FIG. 2. As illustrated in FIG. 2, a problem arises when two spectrum clusters are of an unequal size, which causes the center frequency of the down conversion process in some way to be the reason that the interference on one side will have an image in the largest component carrier making the upper part of the lowest component carrier be prone to an additional interference. The in-gap interferer, which may be another operator, is higher in power than the two wanted signals. As such, the in-gap interferer consumes the dynamic range of the upper part of the component carrier on the left side, which can pose another problem. FIG. 3 shows a difference in how the in-gap interferer is constructed, which can be of different magnitudes and have different average and peak power.

[0049] The criteria for changing the RF configuration in fragmented carriers may depend on measurements of missed ACK’s, an increase in NACK’s, CSI reporting, and reference signal received quality (RSRQ). However, these metrics may be challenging to use to determine when to enable or disable support of fragmented carriers with less RF chains since it may be difficult to judge whether a lower quality is due to general channel performance or due to fragmented carrier characteristics such as, for example, demodulation imbalance, and in-gap interference. In view of the issues that are observed due to demodulation imbalance and in-gap interferer, certain example embodiments may be able to provide a device that has measurementcapabilities and measurement setup capabilities to take the unequal carrier bandwidth (BW) case into account when measuring channel conditions. Certain example embodiments may also provide solutions to address problems of having unequal carrier BWs within the band that uses fragmented carriers, and how this may cause further issues in UE-assisted, network-managed, fallback procedures.

[0050] According to certain example embodiments, the UE may take the demodulation imbalance and in-gap interference power into account when measuring, reporting, and mitigating the effects of in-gap interference. Thus, according to certain example embodiments, the UE may be configured to give a threshold of what power level the UE can support before expecting unacceptable quality to degrade, which could be a target block error rate (BLER) value, an RSRQ target, or the like. Certain example embodiments may provide enhancements here by enabling the UE to measure sub-parts of the component carriers separately, where RSRP, RSRQ, ACK / NACK, etc., are measured per image sub-band within the component carrier.

[0051] FIG. 4illustrates an example of setting up separate measurements, according to certain example embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the separate measurements are setup for a first bandwidth part (BW1) and a second bandwidth part (BW2) of the first component carrier (CC1). Although BW1 and BW2 are illustrated in FIG. 4, CC1 is not limited to only these two BW parts, and in other example embodiments, there may be more or less than two BW parts. As also illustrated in FIG. 4, BW1 is affected by the second component carrier (CC2) image 505, BW2 is affected by the in-gap interferer image 500, and the BW of CC2 may be affected by the image 510 of CC1. It may be assumed that the BW of CC1 is larger than the BW of CC2, regardless of the frequency allocation of each CC. As such, from the example of FIG. 5, CC1 and CC2 may be interchangeable.

[0052] In view of the interference from the in-gap interferer and CC2, thenetwork (e.g., gNB) detecting the situation of the in-gap interfere! image degrading the BW2 part of FIG. 4 may stop scheduling resources in BW2 to allow for continuous measurements of a potential reference signal located in BW2 to detect if the situation improves. By stopping the scheduling, it may be possible to have the fallback configured separately to address the image problem, maintaining usage of wide channel filters for the fragmented carrier. By having the fallback configured separately and maintaining usage of wide channel filters, the problem on the UE side or the NW side may be detected via UE assistance. For instance, the UE may establish the situation by itself or through a NW configuration. For example, the NW may know if there is inference on one in-gap BW versus another, which could be of use to the handling / mitigation of the problem. In certain example embodiments, when CC2 is less than or equal to half the BW of CC1, and the gap is more than the BW of CC1, BW1 and BW2 may be reconfigured to exclude BW2 from CC1 to balance the carriers. However, this would also mean that a special measurement configuration would be needed for the in-gap interfere! as the in-gap interfere! is no longer the entire BW between the configured CC1 and CC2.

[0053] FIG. 5 illustrates an example reconfiguration of CC1, according to certain example embodiments. For instance, as illustrated in FIG. 5, CC1 may be reconfigured to match the BW of CC2 to avoid the in-gap demodulation image interference caused by the in-gap interfere!. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the start frequency location of CC1 is kept the same, and the end frequency location of CC1 is changed, which means that the schedule restriction is applied. However, in other example embodiments, other UEs may be scheduled in BW2 of CC1, which may then be seen as another in-gap interfere!. As such, the UE may or may not maintain the ability to decode reference signals (RSs) of the BW2 part to know when to enable the entire BW again. Additionally, CC2 is less than or equal to half the BW of CC1,and the gap is less than the BW of CC1.

[0054] In FIG. 5, it can be seen that the lower boundary of the CC1 carrier is moved to allow the center frequency of the BW of the entire fragmented carrier pair to be placed in the center of the in-gap interferer, thereby balancing the carriers. Although it may be possible to balance the carriers, certain challenges may arise in the sub-carrier alignment between a CC1 with full BW and a CC1 with a BW equal to CC2.

[0055] FIG. 6 illustrates an example reconfiguration of CC1 to match the BW of CC2, according to certain example embodiments. For instance, as illustrated in FIG. 6, CC1 is reconfigured to match the BW of CC2 by moving the lower boundary (e.g., changing the start frequency and keeping the end frequency the same) of CC1 to allow the demodulation center to be placed in the center of the in-gap interfere. By performing this reconfiguration, it may be possible to cancel the in-gap demodulation image interference. According to certain example embodiments, to achieve capabilities of how much image suppression can be attained, the device (e.g., UE) can adaptively perform and setup measurements and measurement events accordingly; however, the NW may also be in control of enabling / disabling the mitigation. As this may change depending on power density, the power difference between the in-gap interferer or similar, this may be adaptive to the configuration used and / or be UE assisted.

[0056] FIGs. 7A-7D illustrate example signal diagrams, according to certain example embodiments. At 704, the UE 700 reports UE capabilities to the gNB 702. According to certain example embodiments, the UE capabilities may include extended capabilities on fragmented carriers, and capabilities of support on measurements of fragmented carriers, in-gap interferer, measurement on sub-part of CC1 (e.g., BW1 and BW2), and adaptive image rejection capability. At 706, a carrier aggregation (CA) connection with a non-contiguous intra-band component carrier pair (e.g., fragmented carrier) isestablished between the UE 700 and the gNB 702. At 708, the RRC reconfiguration is setup between the gNB 702 and the UE 700. The RRC reconfiguration sets up the fragmented carrier pair, and the setup may include measurement setups within the capabilities reported by the UE 700 during registration. Additionally, the RRC reconfiguration may include configuration of two CCs for non-contiguous intra-band CA in a fragmented carrier band, and the carriers may have different BWs per CC. At 710, the UE 700 confirms that the RRC reconfiguration is complete.

[0057] At 712, the gNB 702 (e.g., network) schedules the UE 700 over the entire CC1 and CC2 BWs. At 714, the UE 700 performs measurements on CC2, and on BW1 and BW2 of CC1. When compared to BW1, the measurements show that there are problems with demodulation image interference from the in-gap interferer. Due to the interference, any scheduling of resources in BW2 are at risk of being lost. At 716, to address the problems due to interference, the gNB 702 applies scheduling restrictions on BW2 of CC1 by not scheduling any radio resources in that frequency span. As measurements on BW1 of CC1 and on CC2 show no problems, this is regarded as areas without scheduling restrictions. At 718, the UE 700 performs a new measurement on BW2 of CC1, potentially compared to a measurement on BW1 of CC1, which shows that the demodulation image interference has been reduced below a threshold. At 720, since the demodulation image interference has reduced below the threshold, the gNB 702 removes the scheduling restrictions on BW1 of CC1, and the gNB 702 is again scheduling across the entire BWs of CC1 and CC2.

[0058] At 722, the UE 700 performs measurements on CC2, and BW1 and BW2. When compared to BW1, the measurements show that there are problems with demodulation image interference from the in-gap interferer. Due to the interference, any scheduling of resources in BW2 would be at risk of being lost. At 724, the gNB 702 reconfigures CC1 to be the same BW asCC2. For instance, in certain example embodiments, the starting frequency of CC1 may remain the same, while the end frequency of CC1 is changed, and the center frequency remains unchanged. By reconfiguring CC1, it may be possible to maintain the same starting frequency for the component carrier (see FIG. 5). In this example embodiment, the fragmented component carrier pair may now be balanced, and does not alter the local oscillator (LO) frequency used as the center frequency of demodulation remains the same. That is, the carrier frequency remains, which means that the frequency synthesizer in the LO system keeps its current programming and configuration. At 726, the UE 700 performs a new measurement on BW2 of CC1. When the new measurement is compared to a measurement on BW1 of CC1, it may show that the demodulation image interference has been reduced below a threshold. Thus, at 728, the fragmented component carrier pair may be configured back to the original configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 4. Additionally, the fragmented component carrier pair may no longer be balanced.

[0059] At 730, the UE 700 performs a measurement on CC2, and on BW 1 and BW2 of CC1. When the measurement is compared to BW1, they may show that there are problems with demodulation image interference from the in-gap interferer, which means that any scheduling of resources in BW2 are at risk of being lost. At 732, the gNB 702 reconfigures CC1 to be the same BW as CC2, which maintains the same CC1 BW end frequency for the component carrier (see FIG. 6). In this example embodiment, CC1 drops the lowest part of the CC1 BW1, and the LO is shifted to center the in-gap interference. At this configuration, there is no image interference. With these changes, the fragmented component carrier pair in this example embodiment may now be balanced. At 734, the UE 700 retunes the center frequency to the center of the in-gap interferer. At 736, the UE 700 performs a new measurement on BW2 of CC1. When the new measurement is compared to a measurement on BW 1of CC1, it may show that the demodulation image interference has been reduced below a threshold. At 738, the gNB 702 configures the fragmented component carrier pair back to the original configuration of FIG. 6, and the fragmented component carrier pair is no longer balanced. At 740, the center frequency of the demodulation is changed back to where it came from. That is, the UE 700 retunes the center frequency to the center of the combined CC1, in-gap, and CC2.

[0060] At 742, the support of an image suppression algorithm is optionally a part of the UE capabilities reported at the time of UE registration. At 744, the UE 700 performs a new measurement on CC2, and on BW1 and BW2 of CC1. When the measurement is compared to BW1, it may show that there are problems with demodulation image interference from the in-gap interferer. Due to the problems with demodulation, any scheduling of resources in BW2 are at risk of being lost. At 746, the UE 700 may inform the gNB 702 of the measurement, similar to the previous examples described herein. At 748, the UE 700 may, based on its own evaluation or by NW control, enable adaptive IQ image cancellation. At 750, the UE 700 may optionally inform the gNB 702 about the enabled demodulation image cancellation. For instance, in some example embodiments, the UE 700 may inform the gNB 702 through a UE assistance information message or any other new RRC or MAC message.

[0061] At 752, the UE 700 may perform a new measurement on BW1 and BW2 of CC1. When the measurement is compared to a measurement on BW 1 of CC1, it may show that the demodulation image interference has been reduced below a threshold. At 754, the UE 700 may optionally inform the gNB 702 of the measurement taken by the UE 700. At 756, the UE 700 may, based on its own evaluation or by NW control, disable the adaptive IQ image cancellation. At 758, the UE 700 may optionally inform the gNB 702 about the disabled demodulation image cancellation. In some example embodiments, the UE 700 may inform the gNB 702 through a UE assistanceinformation message or any other new RRC or MAC message. However, if the in-gap interferer creates an image beyond what the image suppression can handle, operations 704, 706, and 708 may be applied when operations 742 to 758 are no longer sufficient.

[0062] FIG. 8 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 8 may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For instance, in an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 8 may be performed by a UE, similar to one of apparatuses 10 or 20 illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0063] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the method may include, at 800 performing, by a network element via a network connection, measurements on a second component carrier, a first component carrier comprising a second bandwidth part of the first component carrier, and a first bandwidth part of the first component carrier. According to certain example embodiments, the bandwidth of the first component carrier may be larger than a bandwidth of the second component carrier. The method may also include, at 805, based on the measurements, performing at least one of changing end frequency of reducing a bandwidth of the first component carrier to be the same as the bandwidth of the second component carrier, or applying an adaptive in-phase and quadrature image cancellation. According to certain example embodiments, reducing a bandwidth of the first component carrier to be the same as the bandwidth of the second component carrier may include at least one of changing end frequency of the first component carrier, or changing a start frequency of the first component carrier.

[0064] According to certain example embodiments, the method may also include, after reducing the bandwidth of the first component carrier to be the same as bandwidth of the second component carrier, by changing the start frequency of the first component carrier, retuning a center frequency of ademodulation to be in a center of an in-gap interfere!. According to other example embodiments, the method may further include after reducing the bandwidth of the first component carrier to be the same as the bandwidth of the second component carrier, by changing end frequency of the first component carrier, maintaining a center frequency of a demodulation at an original frequency. According to further example embodiments, the method may also include performing a new measurement at least on the second bandwidth part of the first component carrier.

[0065] In certain example embodiments, the method may also include informing the network element of the measurements. According to some example embodiments, the method may also include, after applying the adaptive in-phase and quadrature image cancellation, informing the network element about the enabled adaptive in-phase and quadrature image cancellation via at least one of: a user equipment assistance information message, a radio resource control message, or a medium access control message. According to other example embodiments, the method may also include, after applying the adaptive image rejection or the cancellation, disabling the adaptive in-phase and quadrature image cancellation, and informing the network element about the disabled adaptive in-phase and quadrature image cancellation via at least one of: the user equipment assistance information message, the radio resource control message, or the medium access control message.

[0066] FIG. 9 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 9 may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For instance, in an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 9 may be performed by a UE, similar to one of apparatuses 10 or 20 illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0067] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the method may include, at 900, receiving,from a network element via a network connection, a transmission schedule over a bandwidth of a first component carrier and a bandwidth of a second component carrier. The method may also include, at 905, performing measurements on the second component carrier and on the first component carrier comprising a second bandwidth part of the first component carrier and a first bandwidth part of the first component carrier. The method may further include, at 910, receiving, from the network element based on the measurements, a scheduling restriction on the second bandwidth part of the first component carrier. Additionally, the method may include at 915, restricting transmission to the network element based on the scheduling restriction.

[0068] According to certain example embodiments, the measurements may indicate the second bandwidth part of the first component carrier is affected by an in-gap interferer image or by an image of the second component carrier. According to some example embodiments, the method may also include receiving, after restricting the transmission, a transmission scheduling across at least part of the bandwidth of the first component carrier and at least part of the bandwidth of the second component carrier. According to other example embodiments, the scheduling restriction may restrict scheduling on the second bandwidth part of the first component carrier within a predefined frequency range.

[0069] In certain example embodiments, the method may also include reporting, to a network element, user equipment capabilities for measurements related to a fragmented carrier operation. In some example embodiments, the network connection may be established based on the user equipment capabilities. In other example embodiments, the user equipment capabilities comprises at least one of capabilities to measure a sub-bandwidth of fragmented component carriers, capabilities to measure an in-gap interference, or adaptive image rejection capability.

[0070] FIG. 10 illustrates an example flow diagram of a further method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 10 may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For instance, in an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 10 may be performed by a NW or gNB, similar to one of apparatuses 10 or 20 illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0071] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the method may include, at 1000, receiving, from a user equipment, measurements of a second component carrier, a first component carrier including a second bandwidth part of the first component carrier, and a first bandwidth part of the first component carrier. The method may also include, at 1005, reconfiguring, based on the measurements, the first component carrier to have a same bandwidth as a second component carrier. The method may further include, at 1010, receiving, from the user equipment, further measurements on at least the second bandwidth part of the first component carrier and the first bandwidth part of the first component carrier.

[0072] According to certain example embodiments, in response to the bandwidth of the first component carrier being the same as the bandwidth of the second component carrier, a starting frequency of the first component carrier may be maintained while an end frequency of the first component carrier is changed. According to some example embodiments, in response to the bandwidth of the first component carrier being the same as the bandwidth of the second component carrier, an end frequency of the first component carrier may be maintained, while a starting frequency of the first component carrier is changed.

[0073] In certain example embodiments, in response to the bandwidth of the first component carrier being the same as the bandwidth of the second component carrier, an end frequency of the first component carrier may be maintained, while a starting frequency of the first component carrier is changed. In some example embodiments, the method may also includereceiving, from the user equipment, information that an adaptive in-phase and quadrature image cancellation has been enabled. In other example embodiments, the information that an adaptive in-phase and quadrature image cancellation has been enabled may be received via at least one of: a user equipment assistance information message, a radio resource control message, or a medium access control message. In further example embodiments, the method may also include receiving, from the user equipment, information that the adaptive in-phase and quadrature image cancellation has been disabled. According to certain example embodiments, the information that the adaptive in-phase and quadrature image cancellation has been disabled may be received via at least one of: the user equipment assistance information message, the radio resource control message, or the medium access control message.

[0074] FIG. 11 illustrates an example flow diagram of a further method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 11 may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For instance, in an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 11 may be performed by a NW or gNB, similar to one of apparatuses 10 or 20 illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0075] As illustrated in FIG. 11, the method may include, at 1100, scheduling a user equipment over a bandwidth of a first component carrier and a bandwidth of a second component carrier. The method may also include, at 1105, receiving, from the user equipment, measurements on a second bandwidth part of the first component carrier compared to a first bandwidth part of the first component carrier. The method may further include, at 1110, applying a scheduling restriction on the second bandwidth part of the first component carrier.

[0076] According to certain example embodiments, the method may also include removing the scheduling restriction, and scheduling, after removing the scheduling restriction, over the bandwidth of the first component carrierand the bandwidth of the second component carrier. According to some example embodiments, the scheduling restriction may restrict scheduling on the second bandwidth part of the first component carrier within a predefined frequency range.

[0077] In certain example embodiments, the method may also include receiving, from the user equipment, a report comprising user equipment capabilities for measurements related to a fragmented carrier operation. In some example embodiments, the user equipment capabilities comprises at least one of capabilities to measure a sub-bandwidth of fragmented component carriers, capabilities to measure an in-gap interference, or adaptive image rejection capability.

[0078] FIG. 12 illustrates a set of apparatuses 10 and 20 according to certain example embodiments. In certain example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may be elements in a communications network or associated with such a network. For example, apparatus 10 may be a UE, or other similar radio communication computer device, and apparatus 20 may be a BS, gNB, LMF, network, or other similar computing device.

[0079] In some example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may include one or more processors, one or more computer-readable storage medium (for example, memory, storage, or the like), one or more radio access components (for example, a modem, a transceiver, or the like), and / or a user interface. In some example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may be configured to operate using one or more radio access technologies, such as GSM, LTE, LTE- A, NR, 5G, WLAN, WiFi, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, NFC, MulteFire, and / or any other radio access technologies. It should be noted that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that apparatuses 10 and 20 may include components or features not shown in FIG. 12.

[0080] As illustrated in the example of FIG. 12, apparatuses 10 and 20 may include or be coupled to a processor 12 and 22 for processing information andexecuting instructions or operations. Processors 12 and 22 may be any type of general or specific purpose processor. In fact, processors 12 and 22 may include one or more of general-purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, DSPs, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application- specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, as examples. While a single processor 12 and 22 is shown in FIG. 12, multiple processors may be utilized according to other example embodiments. For example, it should be understood that, in certain example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may include two or more processors that may form a multiprocessor system (e.g., in this case processors 12 may represent a multiprocessor) that may support multiprocessing. According to certain example embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0081] Processors 12 and 22 may perform functions associated with the operation of apparatuses 10 and 20 including, as some examples, precoding of antenna gain / phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming a communication message, formatting of information, and overall control of the apparatuses 10 and 20, including processes and examples illustrated in FIGs. 1-11.

[0082] Apparatuses 10 and 20 may further include or be coupled to a memories 14 and 24 (internal or external), which may be respectively coupled to processors 12 and 24 for storing information and instructions that may be executed by processors 12 and 24. Memories 14 and 24 may be one or more memories and of any type suitable to the local application environment, and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or nonvolatile data storage technology such as a semiconductor-based memory device, a magnetic memory device and system, an optical memory device and system, fixed memory, and / or removable memory. For example, memories 14 and 24 canbe comprised of any combination of random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), static storage such as a magnetic or optical disk, hard disk drive (HDD), or any other type of non-transitory machine or computer readable media. The instructions stored in memories 14 and 24 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by processors 12 and 22, enable the apparatuses 10 and 20 to perform tasks as described herein.

[0083] In certain example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may further include or be coupled to (internal or external) a drive or port that is configured to accept and read an external computer readable storage medium, such as an optical disc, USB drive, flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer readable storage medium may store a computer program or software for execution by processors 12 and 22 and / or apparatuses 10 and 20 to perform any of the methods and examples illustrated in FIGs. 1-11.

[0084] In some example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may also include or be coupled to one or more antennas 15 and 25 for receiving a downlink signal and for transmitting via an UL from apparatuses 10 and 20. Apparatuses 10 and 20 may further include a transceivers 18 and 28 configured to transmit and receive information. The transceivers 18 and 28 may also include a radio interface (e.g., a modem) coupled to the antennas 15 and 25. The radio interface may correspond to a plurality of radio access technologies including one or more of GSM, LTE, LTE-A, 5G, NR, WLAN, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, RFID, UWB, and the like. The radio interface may include other components, such as filters, converters (for example, digital-to-analog converters and the like), symbol demappers, signal shaping components, an Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) module, and the like, to process symbols, such as OFDMA symbols, carried by a downlink or an UL.

[0085] For instance, transceivers 18 and 28 may be configured to modulate information on to a carrier waveform for transmission by the antennas 15 and 25 and demodulate information received via the antenna 15 and 25 for further processing by other elements of apparatuses 10 and 20. In other example embodiments, transceivers 18 and 28 may be capable of transmitting and receiving signals or data directly. Additionally or alternatively, in some example embodiments, apparatus 10 may include an input and / or output device (I / O device). In certain example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may further include a user interface, such as a graphical user interface or touchscreen.

[0086] In certain example embodiments, memories 14 and 34 store software modules that provide functionality when executed by processors 12 and 22. The modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for apparatuses 10 and 20. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as an application or program, to provide additional functionality for apparatuses 10 and 20. The components of apparatuses 10 and 20 may be implemented in hardware, or as any suitable combination of hardware and software. According to certain example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may optionally be configured to communicate each other (in any combination) via a wireless or wired communication links 70 according to any radio access technology, such as NR.

[0087] According to certain example embodiments, processors 12 and 22 and memories 14 and 24 may be included in or may form a part of processing circuitry or control circuitry. In addition, in some example embodiments, transceivers 18 and 28 may be included in or may form a part of transceiving circuitry.

[0088] For instance, in certain example embodiments, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to perform, via a networkconnection, measurements on a second component carrier, a first component carrier comprising a second bandwidth part of the first component carrier, and a first bandwidth part of the first component carrier, wherein bandwidth of the first component carrier is larger than a bandwidth of the second component carrier. Apparatus 10 may also be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to based on the measurements, perform at least one of reducing a bandwidth of the first component carrier to be the same as the bandwidth of the second component carrier, or applying an adaptive in-phase and quadrature image cancellation. According to certain example embodiments, reducing a bandwidth of the first component carrier to be the same as the bandwidth of the second component carrier may be performed by at least one of changing end frequency of the first component carrier, or changing a start frequency of the first component carrier.

[0089] In other example embodiments, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to receive, from a network element via a network connection, a transmission schedule over a bandwidth of a first component carrier and a bandwidth of a second component carrier. Apparatus 10 may also be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to perform measurements on the second component carrier and on the first component carrier comprising a second bandwidth part of the first component carrier and a first bandwidth part of the first component carrier. Apparatus 10 may further be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to receive, from the network element based on the measurements, a scheduling restriction on the second bandwidth part of the first component carrier. Additionally, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to restrict transmission to the network element based on the scheduling restriction.

[0090] In other example embodiments, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to receive, from a user equipment, measurements of a second component carrier, a first component carrier including a secondbandwidth part of the first component carrier, and a first bandwidth part of the first component carrier. Apparatus 20 may also be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to reconfigure, based on the measurements, the first component carrier to have a same bandwidth as a second component carrier. Apparatus 20 may further be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to receive, from the user equipment, further measurements on at least the second bandwidth part of the first component carrier and the first bandwidth part of the first component carrier.

[0091] In other example embodiments, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to schedule a user equipment over a bandwidth of a first component carrier and a bandwidth of a second component carrier. Apparatus 20 may also be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to receive, from the user equipment, measurements on a second bandwidth part of the first component carrier compared to a first bandwidth part of the first component carrier. Apparatus 20 may further be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to apply a scheduling restriction on the second bandwidth part of the first component carrier.

[0092] In some example embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 10 and / or apparatus 20) may include means for performing a method, a process, or any of the variants discussed herein. Examples of the means may include one or more processors, memory, controllers, transmitters, receivers, and / or computer program code for causing the performance of the operations.

[0093] Certain example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for performing, via a network connection, measurements on a second component carrier, a first component carrier comprising a second bandwidth part of the first component carrier, and a first bandwidth part of the first component carrier, wherein bandwidth of the first component carrier is larger than a bandwidth of the second component carrier. The apparatus mayalso include means for, based on the measurements, performing at least one of reducing a bandwidth of the first component carrier to be the same as the bandwidth of the second component carrier, or applying an adaptive in-phase and quadrature image cancellation. According to certain example embodiments, reducing a bandwidth of the first component carrier to be the same as the bandwidth of the second component carrier may be performed by changing end frequency of the first component carrier, or changing a start frequency of the first component carrier.

[0094] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for receiving, from a network element via a network connection, a transmission schedule over a bandwidth of a first component carrier and a bandwidth of a second component carrier. The apparatus may also include means for performing measurements on the second component carrier and on the first component carrier comprising a second bandwidth part of the first component carrier and a first bandwidth part of the first component carrier. The apparatus may further include means for receiving, from the network element based on the measurements, a scheduling restriction on the second bandwidth part of the first component carrier. Additionally, the apparatus may include means for restricting transmission to the network element based on the scheduling restriction.

[0095] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for receiving, from a user equipment, measurements of a second component carrier, a first component carrier including a second bandwidth part of the first component carrier, and a first bandwidth part of the first component carrier. The apparatus may also include means for reconfiguring, based on the measurements, the first component carrier to have a same bandwidth as a second component carrier. The apparatus may furtherinclude means for receiving, from the user equipment, further measurements on at least the second bandwidth part of the first component carrier and the first bandwidth part of the first component carrier.

[0096] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for scheduling a user equipment over a bandwidth of a first component carrier and a bandwidth of a second component carrier. The apparatus may also include means for receiving, from the user equipment, measurements on a second bandwidth part of the first component carrier compared to a first bandwidth part of the first component carrier. The apparatus may further include means for applying a scheduling restriction on the second bandwidth part of the first component carrier.

[0097] Certain example embodiments described herein provide several technical improvements, enhancements, and / or advantages. For instance, in some example embodiments, it may be possible to provide a standardized procedure for unequal BW configuration in bands of fragmented CA. In other example embodiments, it may be possible to provide standardized methods to mitigate demodulation image interference, and provide the ability to adjust channel configurations and take into account image sizes and BW. In further example embodiments, it may be possible to maintain as much BW as possible even when there is image interference.

[0098] A computer program product may include one or more computerexecutable components which, when the program is run, are configured to carry out some example embodiments. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one software code or portions of it. Modifications and configurations required for implementing functionality of certain example embodiments may be performed as routine(s), which may be implemented as added or updated software routine(s). Software routine(s) may be downloaded into the apparatus.

[0099] As an example, software or a computer program code or portions of it may be in a source code form, object code form, or in some intermediate form, and it may be stored in some sort of carrier, distribution medium, or computer readable medium, which may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. Such carriers may include a record medium, computer memory, read-only memory, photoelectrical and / or electrical carrier signal, telecommunications signal, and software distribution package, for example. Depending on the processing power needed, the computer program may be executed in a single electronic digital computer or it may be distributed amongst a number of computers. The computer readable medium or computer readable storage medium may be a non-transitory medium.

[0100] In other example embodiments, the functionality may be performed by hardware or circuitry included in an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 10 or apparatus 20), for example through the use of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other combination of hardware and software. In yet another example embodiment, the functionality may be implemented as a signal, a non-tangible means that can be carried by an electromagnetic signal downloaded from the Internet or other network.

[0101] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus, such as a node, device, or a corresponding component, may be configured as circuitry, a computer or a microprocessor, such as single-chip computer element, or as a chipset, including at least a memory for providing storage capacity used for arithmetic operation and an operation processor for executing the arithmetic operation.

[0102] One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that the disclosure as discussed above may be practiced with procedures in a different order, and / or with hardware elements in configurations which are different than those which are disclosed. Therefore, although the disclosure has beendescribed based upon these example embodiments, it would be apparent to those of skill in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions would be apparent, while remaining within the spirit and scope of example embodiments. Although the above embodiments refer to 5G NR and LTE technology, the above embodiments may also apply to any other present or future 3GPP technology, such as LTE-advanced, and / or fourth generation (4G) technology.

[0103] Partial Glossary:

[0104] 3GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project

[0105] 5G 5th Generation

[0106] 5GCN 5G Core Network

[0107] 5GS 5G System

[0108] BS Base Station

[0109] BW Bandwidth

[0110] CC Component Carrier

[0111] DL Downlink

[0112] eNB Enhanced Node B

[0113] E-UTR AN Evolved UTR AN

[0114] gNB 5G or Next Generation NodeB

[0115] LTE Long Term Evolution

[0116] NR New Radio

[0117] RSRP Reference Signal Received Power

[0118] UE User Equipment

[0119] UL Uplink

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. An apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive, from a network element via a network connection, a transmission schedule over a bandwidth of a first component carrier and a bandwidth of a second component carrier; perform measurements on the second component carrier and on the first component carrier comprising a second bandwidth part of the first component carrier and a first bandwidth part of the first component carrier; receive, from the network element based on the measurements, a scheduling restriction on the second bandwidth part of the first component carrier; and restrict transmission to the network element based on the scheduling restriction.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the measurements indicate the second bandwidth part of the first component carrier is affected by an ingap interferer image or by an image of the second component carrier.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to: receive, after restricting the transmission, a transmission scheduling across at least part of the bandwidth of the first component carrier and at least part of the bandwidth of the second component carrier.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the scheduling restriction restricts scheduling on the second bandwidth part of the first component carrier within a predefined frequency range.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to: report, to a network element, user equipment capabilities for measurements related to a fragmented carrier operation.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the network connection is established based on the user equipment capabilities.

7. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the user equipment capabilities comprises at least one of the following: capabilities to measure a sub-bandwidth of fragmented component carriers, capabilities to measure an in-gap interference, or adaptive image rejection capability.

8. An apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: schedule a user equipment over a bandwidth of a first component carrier and a bandwidth of a second component carrier; receive, from the user equipment, measurements on a second bandwidth part of the first component carrier compared to a first bandwidth part of the first component carrier; andapply a scheduling restriction on the second bandwidth part of the first component carrier.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to: remove the scheduling restriction; and schedule, after removing the scheduling restriction, over the bandwidth of the first component carrier and the bandwidth of the second component carrier.

10. The apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the scheduling restriction restricts scheduling on the second bandwidth part of the first component carrier within a predefined frequency range.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 8-10, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to: receiving, from the user equipment, a report comprising user equipment capabilities for measurements related to a fragmented carrier operation.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the user equipment capabilities comprises at least one of the following: capabilities to measure a sub-bandwidth of fragmented component carriers, capabilities to measure an in-gap interference, or adaptive image rejection capability.

13. A method comprising: receiving, from a network element via a network connection, a transmission schedule over a bandwidth of a first component carrier and a bandwidth of a second component carrier; performing measurements on the second component carrier and on the first component carrier comprising a second bandwidth part of the first component carrier and a first bandwidth part of the first component carrier; receiving, from the network element based on the measurements, a scheduling restriction on the second bandwidth part of the first component carrier; and restricting transmission to the network element based on the scheduling restriction.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the measurements indicate the second bandwidth part of the first component carrier is affected by an ingap interferer image or by an image of the second component carrier.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising: receiving, after restricting the transmission, a transmission scheduling across at least part of the bandwidth of the first component carrier and at least part of the bandwidth of the second component carrier.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13-15, wherein the scheduling restriction restricts scheduling on the second bandwidth part of the first component carrier within a predefined frequency range.

17. The method according to any one of claims 13-16, further comprising: reporting, to a network element, user equipment capabilities formeasurements related to a fragmented carrier operation.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the network connection is established based on the user equipment capabilities.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein the user equipment capabilities comprises at least one of the following: capabilities to measure a sub-bandwidth of fragmented component carriers, capabilities to measure an in-gap interference, or adaptive image rejection capability.

20. A method, comprising: scheduling a user equipment over a bandwidth of a first component carrier and a bandwidth of a second component carrier; receiving, from the user equipment, measurements on a second bandwidth part of the first component carrier compared to a first bandwidth part of the first component carrier; and applying a scheduling restriction on the second bandwidth part of the first component carrier.

21. An apparatus, comprising: means for receiving, from a network element via a network connection, a transmission schedule over a bandwidth of a first component carrier and a bandwidth of a second component carrier; means for performing measurements on the second component carrier and on the first component carrier comprising a second bandwidth part of the first component carrier and a first bandwidth part of the first component carrier;means for receiving, from the network element based on the measurements, a scheduling restriction on the second bandwidth part of the first component carrier; and means for restricting transmission to the network element based on the scheduling restriction.

22. An apparatus, comprising: means for scheduling a user equipment over a bandwidth of a first component carrier and a bandwidth of a second component carrier; means for receiving, from the user equipment, measurements on a second bandwidth part of the first component carrier compared to a first bandwidth part of the first component carrier; and means for applying a scheduling restriction on the second bandwidth part of the first component carrier.

23. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing the method according to claim 13 or according to claim 20.

Images