Methods, communications devices, and infrastructure equipment

Abstract

A method of operating infrastructure equipment of a wireless communications network is provided. The method comprises transmitting, to a communications device, at least one of a Sub-Band Full Duplex (SBFD) Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbol disable indicator and an SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator. The SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted into a set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols. The at least one end of the set of contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted is adjacent to another set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols. The SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted into a set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols. The at least one end of the set of contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted is adjacent to another set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols.

Description

[0001] P131318PCT / SYP357095 WOOl 1

[0002] METHODS, COMMUNICATIONS DEVICES, AND INFRASTRUCTURE EQUIPMENT BACKGROUND

[0003] Field of Disclosure

[0004] The present disclosure relates to communications devices, infrastructure equipment of a wireless communications network, and methods.

[0005] The present application claims Paris Convention priority from European patent application number 25152596.0, filed on 17 January 2025, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0006] Description of Related Art

[0007] The “background” description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description which may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly or impliedly admitted as prior art against the present invention.

[0008] Previous generation mobile telecommunication systems, such as those based on the 3GPP defined UMTS and Long Term Evolution (LTE) architecture, are able to support a wider range of services than simple voice and messaging services offered by previous generations of mobile telecommunication systems. For example, with the improved radio interface and enhanced data rates provided by LTE systems, a user is able to enjoy high data rate applications such as mobile video streaming and mobile video conferencing that would previously only have been available via a fixed line data connection. The demand to deploy such networks is therefore strong and the coverage area of these networks, i.e. geographic locations where access to the networks is possible, is expected to continue to increase rapidly.

[0009] Current and future wireless communications networks are expected to routinely and efficiently support communications with an ever-increasing range of devices associated with a wider range of data traffic profiles and types than existing systems are optimised to support. For example, it is expected future wireless communications networks will be expected to efficiently support communications with devices including reduced complexity devices, machine type communication (MTC) devices, high resolution video displays, virtual reality headsets, extended Reality (XR) and so on. Some of these different types of devices may be deployed in very large numbers, for example low complexity devices for supporting the “The Internet of Things” (loT), and may typically be associated with the transmissions of relatively small amounts of data with relatively high latency tolerance. Other types of devices, for example supporting high-definition video streaming, may be associated with transmissions of relatively large amounts of data with relatively low latency tolerance. Other types of devices, for example used for autonomous vehicle communications and for other critical applications, may be characterised by data that should be transmitted through the network with low latency and high reliability. A single device type might also be associated with different traffic profiles / characteristics depending on the application(s) it is running. For example, different considerations may apply for efficiently supporting data exchange with a smartphone when it is running a video streaming application (high downlink data) as compared to when it is running an Internet browsing application (sporadic uplink and downlink data) or being used for voice communications by an emergency responder in an emergency scenario (data subject to stringent reliability and latency requirements).

[0010] In view of this there is expected to be a desire for current wireless communications networks, for example those which may be referred to as 5G or new radio (NR) systems / new radio access technology (RAT) systems, or indeed future 6G wireless communications, as well as future iterations / releases of existingP131318PCT / SYP357095 WOOl 2

[0011] systems, to efficiently support connectivity for a wide range of devices associated with different applications and different characteristic data traffic profiles and requirements.

[0012] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0013] The present disclosure can help address or mitigate at least some of the issues discussed above.

[0014] Respective aspects and features of the present disclosure are defined in the appended claims.

[0015] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary, but are not restrictive, of the present technology. The described embodiments, together with further advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0016] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] A more complete appreciation of the disclosure and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

[0018] Figure 1 schematically illustrates some aspects of an LTE-type wireless telecommunication system which may be configured to operate in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 2 schematically illustrates some aspects of an NR-type wireless telecommunications system which may be configured to operate in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of an example infrastructure equipment and communications device which may be configured to operate in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 4 schematically illustrates a first example of non-overlapping subbands for uplink and downlink transmissions for subband full duplex (SBFD);

[0022] Figure 5 schematically illustrates second and third examples of non-overlapping subbands for uplink and downlink transmissions for SBFD;

[0023] Figure 6 schematically illustrates examples of different TDD slot format configurations;

[0024] Figure 7 schematically illustrates an example of a sub-band full duplex (SBFD) OFDM symbol configuration;

[0025] Figure 8 schematically illustrates an example of transition points in a TDD pattern;

[0026] Figure 9 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of operating infrastructure equipment of a wireless communications network in accordance with example embodiments;

[0027] Figure 10 schematically illustrates an example of valid disabling of SBFD OFDM symbols in accordance with example embodiments;

[0028] Figure 11 schematically illustrates an example of invalid disabling of SBFD OFDM symbols in accordance with example embodiments;

[0029] Figure 12 schematically illustrates an example of valid enabling of SBFD OFDM symbols in accordance with example embodiments;

[0030] Figure 13 schematically illustrates an example of invalid enabling of SBFD OFDM symbols in accordance with example embodiments;

[0031] Figure 14 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of operating infrastructure equipment of a wireless communications network in accordance with example embodiments; and

[0032] Figure 15 schematically illustrates an example of valid enabling of an enlarged SBFD subband in accordance with example embodiments.P131318PCT / SYP357095 WOOl 3

[0033] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0034] Long Term Evolution Advanced Radio Access Technology (4G)

[0035] Figure 1 provides a schematic diagram illustrating some basic functionality of a mobile telecommunications network / system 6 operating generally in accordance with LTE principles, but which may also support other radio access technologies, and which may be adapted to implement embodiments of the disclosure as described herein. Various elements of Figure 1 and certain aspects of their respective modes of operation are well-known and defined in the relevant standards administered by the 3GPP (RTM) body, and also described in many books on the subject, for example, Holma H. and Toskala A [1], It will be appreciated that operational aspects of the telecommunications networks discussed herein which are not specifically described (for example in relation to specific communication protocols and physical channels for communicating between different elements) may be implemented in accordance with any known techniques, for example according to the relevant standards and known proposed modifications and additions to the relevant standards.

[0036] The network 6 includes a plurality of base stations 1 connected to a core network 2. Each base station provides a coverage area 3 (i.e., a cell) within which data can be communicated to and from communications devices 4. Although each base station 1 is shown in Figure 1 as a single entity, the skilled person will appreciate that some of the functions of the base station may be carried out by disparate, inter-connected elements, such as antennas (or antennae), remote radio heads, amplifiers, etc. Collectively, one or more base stations may form a radio access network.

[0037] Data is transmitted from base stations 1 to communications devices 4 within their respective coverage areas 3 via a radio downlink (DL). Data is transmitted from communications devices 4 to the base stations 1 via a radio uplink (UL). The core network 2 routes data to and from the communications devices 4 via the respective base stations 1 and provides functions such as authentication, mobility management, charging and so on. Communications devices may also be referred to as mobile stations, user equipment (UEs), user terminals, mobile radios, mobile terminals, terminal devices, wireless transmit and receive units (WTRUs), and so forth. Services provided by the core network 2 may include connectivity to the internet or to external telephony services. The core network 2 may further track the location of the communications devices 4 so that it can efficiently contact (i.e. page) the communications devices 4 for transmitting downlink data towards the communications devices 4.

[0038] Base stations, which are an example of network infrastructure equipment, may also be referred to as transceiver stations, nodeBs, e-nodeBs, eNB, g-nodeBs, gNB and so forth. In this regard different terminology is often associated with different generations of wireless telecommunications systems for elements providing broadly comparable functionality. However, certain embodiments of the disclosure may be equally implemented in different generations of wireless telecommunications systems, and for simplicity certain terminology may be used regardless of the underlying network architecture. That is to say, the use of a specific term in relation to certain example implementations is not intended to indicate these implementations are limited to a certain generation of network that may be most associated with that particular terminology.

[0039] New Radio Access Technology (5G)

[0040] Systems incorporating NR technology are expected to support different services (or types of services), which may be characterised by different requirements for latency, data rate and / or reliability. For example, Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) services are characterised by high capacity with a requirement to support up to 20 Gb / s. The requirements for Ultra Reliable and Low Latency Communications (URLLC) services are for one transmission of a 32 byte packet to be transmitted fromP131318PCT / SYP357095 WOOl 4

[0041] the radio protocol layer 2 / 3 SDU ingress point to the radio protocol layer 2 / 3 SDU egress point of the radio interface within 1 ms with a reliability of 1 - 10'5(99.999 %) or higher (99.9999%) [2], Massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC) is another example of a service which may be supported by NR-based communications networks. In addition, systems may be expected to support further enhancements related to Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) in order to support services with new requirements of high availability, high reliability, low latency, and in some cases, high-accuracy positioning.

[0042] An example configuration of a wireless communications network which uses some of the terminology proposed for and used in NR and 5G is shown in Figure 2. In Figure 2 a plurality of transmission and reception points (TRPs) 10 are connected to distributed control units (DUs) 41, 42 by a connection interface represented as a line 16. Each of the TRPs 10 is arranged to transmit and receive signals via a wireless access interface within a radio frequency bandwidth available to the wireless communications network. Thus, within a range for performing radio communications via the wireless access interface, each of the TRPs 10, forms a cell of the wireless communications network as represented by a circle 12. As such, wireless communications devices 14 which are within a radio communications range provided by the cells 12 can transmit and receive signals to and from the TRPs 10 via the wireless access interface. Each of the distributed units 41, 42 are connected to a central unit (CU) 40 (which may be referred to as a controlling node) via an interface 46. The central unit 40 is then connected to the core network 20 which may contain all other functions required to transmit data for communicating to and from the wireless communications devices and the core network 20 may be connected to other networks 25.

[0043] The elements of the wireless access network shown in Figure 2 may operate in a similar way to corresponding elements of an LTE network as described with regard to the example of Figure 1. It will be appreciated that operational aspects of the telecommunications network represented in Figure 2, and of other networks discussed herein in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure, which are not specifically described (for example in relation to specific communication protocols and physical channels for communicating between different elements) may be implemented in accordance with any known techniques, for example according to currently used approaches for implementing such operational aspects of wireless telecommunications systems, e.g. in accordance with the relevant standards.

[0044] The TRPs 10 of Figure 2 may in part have a corresponding functionality to a base station or eNodeB of an LTE network. Similarly, the communications devices 14 may have a functionality corresponding to the UE devices 4 known for operation with an LTE network. It will be appreciated therefore that operational aspects of a new RAT network (for example in relation to specific communication protocols and physical channels for communicating between different elements) may be different to those known from LTE or other known mobile telecommunications standards. However, it will also be appreciated that each of the core network component, base stations and communications devices of a new RAT network will be functionally similar to, respectively, the core network component, base stations and communications devices of an LTE wireless communications network.

[0045] In terms of broad top-level functionality, the core network 20 connected to the new RAT telecommunications system represented in Figure 2 may be broadly considered to correspond with the core network 2 represented in Figure 1, and the respective central units 40 and their associated distributed units / TRPs 10 may be broadly considered to provide functionality corresponding to the base stations 1 of Figure 1. The term network infrastructure equipment / access node may be used to encompass these elements and more conventional base station type elements of wireless telecommunications systems. Depending on the application at hand the responsibility for scheduling transmissions which are scheduledP131318PCT / SYP357095 WOOl 5

[0046] on the radio interface between the respective distributed units and the communications devices may he with the controlling node / central unit and / or the distributed units / TRPs. A communications device 14 is represented in Figure 2 within the coverage area of the first communication cell 12. This communications device 14 may thus exchange signalling with the first central unit 40 in the first communication cell 12 via one of the distributed units / TRPs 10 associated with the first communication cell 12.

[0047] It will further be appreciated that Figure 2 represents merely one example of a proposed architecture for a new RAT based telecommunications system in which approaches in accordance with the principles described herein may be adopted, and the functionality disclosed herein may also be applied in respect of wireless telecommunications systems having different architectures.

[0048] Thus, certain embodiments of the disclosure as discussed herein may be implemented in wireless telecommunication systems / networks according to various different architectures, such as the example architectures shown in Figures 1 and 2. It will thus be appreciated the specific wireless telecommunications architecture in any given implementation is not of primary significance to the principles described herein. In this regard, certain embodiments of the disclosure may be described generally in the context of communications between network infrastructure equipment / access nodes and a communications device, wherein the specific nature of the network infrastructure equipment / access node and the communications device will depend on the network infrastructure for the implementation at hand. For example, in some scenarios the network infrastructure equipment / access node may comprise a base station, such as an LTE-type base station 1 as shown in Figure 1 which is adapted to provide functionality in accordance with the principles described herein, and in other examples the network infrastructure equipment may comprise a control unit / controlling node 40 and / or a TRP 10 of the kind shown in Figure 2 which is adapted to provide functionality in accordance with the principles described herein.

[0049] A more detailed diagram of some of the components of the network shown in Figure 2 is provided by Figure 3. In Figure 3, a TRP 10 as shown in Figure 2 comprises, as a simplified representation, a wireless transmitter 30, a wireless receiver 32 and a controller or controlling processor 34 which may operate to control the transmitter 30 and the wireless receiver 32 to transmit and receive radio signals to one or more UEs 14 within a cell 12 formed by the TRP 10. As shown in Figure 3, an example UE 14 is shown to include a corresponding transmitter 49, a receiver 48 and a controller 44 which is configured to control the transmitter 49 and the receiver 48 to transmit signals representing uplink data to the wireless communications network via the wireless access interface formed by the TRP 10 and to receive downlink data as signals transmitted by the transmitter 30 and received by the receiver 48 in accordance with the conventional operation.

[0050] The transmitters 30, 49 and the receivers 32, 48 (as well as other transmitters, receivers and transceivers described in relation to examples and embodiments of the present disclosure) may include radio frequency filters and amplifiers as well as signal processing components and devices in order to transmit and receive radio signals in accordance for example with the 5G / NR standard. The controllers 34, 44 (as well as other controllers described in relation to examples and embodiments of the present disclosure) may be, for example, a microprocessor, a CPU, or a dedicated chipset, etc., configured to carry out instructions which are stored on a computer readable medium, such as a non-volatile memory. The processing steps described herein may be carried out by, for example, a microprocessor in conjunction with a random access memory, operating according to instructions stored on a computer readable medium. The transmitters, the receivers and the controllers are schematically shown in Figure 3 as separate elements for ease of representation. However, it will be appreciated that the functionality of theseP131318PCT / SYP357095 WOOl 6

[0051] elements can be provided in various different ways, for example using one or more suitably programmed programmable computer(s), or one or more suitably configured application-specific integrated circuit(s) / circuitry / chip(s) / chipset(s). As will be appreciated the infrastructure equipment / TRP / base station as well as the UE / communications device will in general comprise various other elements associated with its operating functionality.

[0052] As shown in Figure 3, the TRP 10 also includes a network interface 50 which connects to the DU 42 via a physical interface 16. The network interface 50 therefore provides a communication link for data and signalling traffic from the TRP 10 via the DU 42 and the CU 40 to the core network 20.

[0053] The interface 46 between the DU 42 and the CU 40 is known as the Fl interface which can be a physical or a logical interface. The Fl interface 46 between CU and DU may operate in accordance with specifications 3GPP TS 38.470 and 3GPP TS 38.473, and may be formed from a fibre optic or other wired or wireless high bandwidth connection. In one example the connection 16 from the TRP 10 to the DU 42 is via fibre optic. The connection between a TRP 10 and the core network 20 can be generally referred to as a backhaul, which comprises the interface 16 from the network interface 50 of the TRP 10 to the DU 42 and the Fl interface 46 from the DU 42 to the CU 40.

[0054] In order for a UE such as UE 4 or 14 to transmit uplink data to the network (e.g. on a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) or a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH)) to, for example, base station 1 or TRP 10, the UE must first ensure it is synchronised with the network on the uplink. Since a particular eNB or gNB expects to be receiving communications from many UEs, it needs to ensure that it shares a common timing understanding with each of these UEs (i.e. they are synchronised in terms of the starting times of frames and Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbols). This is so that the eNB is able to schedule communication with each of them in a manner that avoids collisions and to ensure orthogonality of the uplink signals, such that inter-subcarrier interference is avoided or mitigated.

[0055] Although reference is made to 5G networks, the discussions in this specification apply equally to 6G networks (and beyond) where there is expected to be significantly higher throughput, lower latency and higher reliability utilising sub-THz frequencies.

[0056] Full Duplex Time Division Duplex (FD-TDD)

[0057] NR / 5G networks can operate using Time Division Duplex (TDD), where an entire frequency band or carrier is switched to either downlink or uplink transmissions for a time period and can be switched to the other of downlink or uplink transmissions at a later time period. Currently, TDD operates in Half Duplex mode (HD-TDD) where the gNB or UE can, at a given time, either transmit or receive packets, but not both at the same time. As wireless networks transition from NR to 5G-Advanced networks, a proposed new feature of such networks is to enhance duplexing operation for Time Division Duplex (TDD) by enabling Full Duplex operation in TDD (FD-TDD) [3], [4],

[0058] In FD-TDD, a gNB can transmit and receive data to and from the UEs at the same time on the same frequency band. In addition, a UE can operate either in HD-TDD or FD-TDD mode, depending on its capability. For example, when UEs are only capable of supporting HD-TDD, FD-TDD is achieved at the gNB by scheduling a DL transmission to a first UE and scheduling an UL transmission from a second UE within the same OFDM symbol (i.e. at the same time). Conversely, when UEs are capable of supporting FD-TDD, FD-TDD is achieved both at the gNB and the UE, where the gNB can simultaneously schedule this UE with DL and UL transmissions within the same OFDM symbol by scheduling the DL and UL transmissions at different frequencies (e.g. physical resource blocks (PRBs)) of the system bandwidth. AP131318PCT / SYP357095 WOOl 7

[0059] UE supporting FD-TDD requires more complex hardware than a UE that only supports HD-TDD.

[0060] Development of current 5G networks is focused primarily on enabling FD-TDD at the gNB with UEs operating in HD-TDD mode.

[0061] Motivations for enhancing duplexing operation for TDD include an improvement in system capacity, reduced latency, and improved uplink coverage. For example, in current HD-TDD systems, OFDM symbols are allocated only for either a DL or UL direction in a semi-static manner. Hence, if one direction experiences less or no data, the spare resources cannot be used in the other direction, or are, at best, under-utilised. However, if resources can be used for DL data and UL data (as in FD-TDD) at the same time, the resource utilisation in the system can be improved. Furthermore, in current HD-TDD systems, a UE can receive DL data, but cannot transmit UL data at the same time, which causes delays. If a gNB or UE is allowed to transmit and receive data at the same time (as with FD-TDD), the traffic latency will be improved. In addition, UEs are usually coverage limited in their UL transmissions when located close to the edge of a cell. While the UE coverage at the cell -edge can be improved if more time domain resources are assigned to UL transmissions (e.g. repetitions), for HD-TDD systems, if the UL direction is assigned more time resources, fewer time resources can be assigned to the DL direction, which can lead to system imbalance. In contrast, in FD-TDD, continuous UL resources can be assigned for repetition opportunities whilst allowing DL traffic to occur in those resources, thereby UL enhancing coverage without causing system imbalance.

[0062] A Rel-19 Work Item (WI) [5] on Duplex Evolution is therefore agreed to specify the requirements for FD-TDD, which is revised in [6], In Rel-19 Duplex Evolution, FD-TDD is performed at the gNB, where the gNB can transmit and receive data / signals to / from the UEs at the same time on the same frequency band, whilst the UE is maintained as HD-TDD. That is, full duplex TDD is achieved at the gNB by scheduling a UE in the DL and scheduling another UE in the UL within the same OFDM symbol.

[0063] Subband Full Duplex (SBFD)

[0064] In SBFD, the frequency resource of a TDD system bandwidth or Bandwidth Part (BWP) (i.e. at the UE / gNB) is divided into two or more non-overlapping subbands, where each subband can be DL or UL [7] . Guard subbands may be used between DL and UL subbands to reduce inter subband interference. In the current 5G system, only one UL subband can be configured in an OFDM symbol.

[0065] An example is shown in Figure 4, where simultaneous DL and UL transmissions occur in three different non-overlapping subbands 61 to 63, i.e. in different sets of frequency Resource Blocks (RB): Subband# 1 61, Subband#262, Subband#3 63. The example of Figure 4 is referred to as {DUD}, because two subbands, Subband# 1 61 and Subband#3 63, are used for DL transmissions whilst one subband, Subband#2 62, is used for UL transmissions. To reduce leakage from one subband 61 to 63 to another, a guard subband 64 may be configured between UL and DL subbands 61 to 63. Guard subbands 64 are configured between DL Subband#3 63 and UL Subband#2 62 and between UL Subband#262 and DL Subband# 1 61.

[0066] Figure 5 shows two further examples with a DL and UL subband separated by a guard subband, where here, the UL subband can be configured to occupy the lower frequency portion of the BWP whilst the DL subband occupies higher frequency portion of the BWP {UD} or the UL subband occupies the higher frequency portion of the BWP whilst the DL subband occupies lower frequency portion of the BWP {DU}. Here, on the left-side of Figure 5, an UL subband# 1 71 is separated from a DL subband#2 73 by a guard subband 72 - this subband arrangement is referred to as {UD}. In this case, the DL subband#2 73 occupies a higher frequency portion of the system bandwidth than the UL subband# 1 71. On the rightside of Figure 5, a DL subband#! 81 is separated from an UL subband#2 83 by a guard subband 82 - thisP131318PCT / SYP357095 WOOl 8

[0067] subband arrangement is referred to as {DU}. In this case, the UL subband#2 83 occupies a higher frequency portion of the system bandwidth than the DL subband# 1 81.

[0068] While Figures 4 and 5 show the system bandwidth as being divided into either two or three subbands, those skilled in the art would appreciate that the concept of SBFD may (in further releases of the 3GPP specifications, for example) be extended such that any number of subbands could be used, if deemed beneficial. In one example, the system bandwidth may be divided into four subbands. For example, a system bandwidth may include the two downlink subbands 61, 63, and the uplink subband 62 shown in Figure 4, and another uplink subband (not shown in Figure 4), though other subband arrangements (e.g. number and size of UL and SL subbands) are possible. Guard subbands may be used in substantially any subband arrangement.

[0069] Slot Format Configurations

[0070] In the legacy TDD system, an OFDM symbol can be configured as Downlink (DL), Uplink (UL) or Flexible (FL). DL OFDM symbols can be used by the gNB to transmit downlink transmissions to the UE whilst UL OFDM symbols can be used by the UE to transmit uplink transmissions to the gNB. FL OFDM symbols can be further configured into DL or UL OFDM symbols. There are four ways to configure the TDD slot format, where two of them are semi-static configurations and another two are dynamic configurations, i.e.:

[0071] • Semi-static configurations:

[0072] o Cell specific configuration; and

[0073] o UE dedicated configuration;

[0074] • Dynamic configurations:

[0075] o Slot Format Indicator (SFI); and

[0076] o DL or UL Grant.

[0077] An example using showing all four ways of indicating TDD Slot Format configurations is shown in Figure 6. The cell specific configuration 601 is signalled in the System Information Blocks (SIBs) using the Radio Resource Control (RRC) parameter TDD-UL-DL-ConfigCommon, where up to two TDD patterns can be configured (where, here, the second TDD pattern is optional). In each TDD pattern, the number of consecutive DL slots and DL OFDM symbols are configured from the start of the TDD pattern, and the number of consecutive UL slots and UL OFDM symbols are configured from the end of the TDD pattern. Any remaining OFDM symbols not configured as DL or UL are FL OFDM symbols. For example, in Figure 6, two TDD patterns are configured; a first TDD pattern 611 and a second TDD pattern 612, where each pattern has a duration of five slots (where it should be noted that the two TDD patterns can have different durations). In the first TDD pattern 611, which is shown in the example of Figure 6 to occupy Slot n to Slot w+4. N1 DL-siot = 2 consecutive slots are DL from the start of the pattern followed \>y NloL-symboi = 7 DL OFDM symbols. From the end of the first TDD pattern 611, NluL-siot = 1 slot is UL followed by N1 uL-symboi = 6 UL OFDM symbols. The remaining OFDM symbols between the DL and UL OFDM symbols for the first TDD pattern 611 are FL OFDM symbols occupying part of Slot n+2 and Slot n+3. For the second TDD pattern 612, which occupies Slot n+5 to Slot n+9, the DL OFDM symbols are configured in the first N2oL-siot = 1 slot and followed by N2DL-symboi = 8 OFDM symbols form the start of the second TDD pattern 612. The UL OFDM symbols are configured from N2uL-siot = 2 slots and followed by N2uL-symboi = 7 UL OFDM symbols from the end of the second TDD pattern 612.

[0078] Similarly to the first TDD pattern 611, the OFDM symbols between the indicated DL and UL OFDM symbols for the second TDD pattern 612 occupying part of Slot w+6 and slot n+1 are FL OFDM symbols.P131318PCT / SYP357095 WOOl 9

[0079] The TDD Slot Format can be further configured using a UE dedicated configuration 602 configured via the RRC parameter TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated, where FL OFDM symbols configured from the cell specific TDD Slot Format configuration 601 can be further configured into DL, UL or remain as FL OFDM symbols. Using the example in Figure 6, the first 6 FL OFDM symbols and the first 7 FL OFDM symbols of Slot w+3 and Slot n+1 are re-configured by the semi-static UE-dedicated configuration 602 as DL and UL OFDM symbols respectively, as illustrated by the black dashed boxes shown in Figure 6 for the cell specific configuration 601 and the UE dedicated configuration 602.

[0080] The remaining FL OFDM symbols after the semi-static configurations have been applied can be dynamically indicated into DL or UL symbols, or can remain as FL OFDM symbols, and this can be dynamically configured 603 using the Slot Format Indicator (SFI), which is transmitted in a PDCCH using a Group Common DCI with DCI Format 2 0 with the cyclic redundancy code (CRC) scrambled by an SFI-radio network temporary identifier (SFI-RNTI). The SFI indicates an index to an entry in the lookup table, which is Table 11.1.1-1 of [8], where each entry of the lookup table indicates a slot format, i.e., the locations of DL, UL and FL OFDM symbols within a slot. In the example in Figure 6, an SFI is transmitted to a group of UEs in Slot «+l to configure the slot format of Slot w+2. where here the SFI indicates an index = 33, which effectively configures the 7 FL OFDM symbols in Slot w+2 after the UE dedicated configuration 602, to 2 DL, 3 FL and 2 UL OFDM symbols, as illustrated by the black dashed box shown in Figure 6 for the SFI configuration 603.

[0081] OFDM symbols that remain as FL OFDM symbols (e.g. after semi-static configurations 601, 602 and / or SFI dynamic indication 603) can further be indicated dynamically 604 as DL or UL OFDM symbols via a DL Grant or an UL Grant respectively. This is done by scheduling a PDSCH or PUSCH over FL OFDM symbols, thereby dynamically configuring them into DL and UL OFDM symbols respectively. In the example in Figure 6, a DL Grant carried by a PDCCH is transmitted in Slot w+2 to a UE scheduling a PDSCH starting from the fourth OFDM symbol to the twelfth OFDM symbol of Slot w+2. where the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth OFDM symbols of Slot w+2 are FL OFDM symbols. That is, the DL Grant by scheduling a PDSCH over FL OFDM symbols dynamically configures them into DL OFDM symbols. Similarly, an UL Grant in Slot n+5 schedules a PUSCH in the last 4 FL OFDM symbols of Slot n+6, thereby dynamically configuring these FL OFDM symbols into UL OFDM symbols. Again, this is indicated by the black dashed boxes shown in Figure 6 for the DL / UL grant configuration 604.

[0082] SBFD Configuration

[0083] In addition to DL, UL and FL OFDM symbols, SBFD OFDM symbol is introduced in Rel-19, where an SBFD OFDM symbol consists of one UL sub-band and either one or two DL sub-bands as shown in Figures 4 and 5. In Rel-19, SBFD OFDM symbols are semi-statically configured, where SBFD OFDM symbols can be configured on DL OFDM symbols and / or FL OFDM symbols that are cell-specifically configured. One of the objectives of Duplex Evolution is to increase UL capacity and so at least for Rel-19, SBFD is only configured in DL and / or FL OFDM symbols, i.e., by configuring a UL sub-band in DL and / or FL OFDM symbols. That is, DL OFDM symbols and FL OFDM symbols configured cell specifically using the parameter TDD-UL-DL-ConfigCommon, can be further semi-statically configured into SBFD OFDM symbols using a new RRC configuration message. DL, UL and FL OFDM symbols configured using TDD-UL-DL-ConfigCommon are termed herein as original DL, UL and FL OFDM symbols respectively.

[0084] An example is shown in Figure 7, where a TDD Slot Format {DDDSU}, consisting of three DL slots, one slot with DL and FL OFDM symbols, and one UL slot is, cell specifically configured 701 using the RRC parameter TDD-UL-DL-ConfigCommon. In this example, Slot n+1 and Slot w+2. which consist of original DL OFDM symbols, and Slot n+3, which consists of original DL and original FL OFDMP131318PCT / SYP357095 WOOl 10

[0085] symbols, are configured (e.g., by another RRC configuration 702 which can be another cell specific configuration or UE specific configuration) into SBFD OFDM symbols with a {DUD} sub-band arrangement - as shown by the black dashed boxes in Figure 7. In Rel-19, original UL OFDM symbols, i.e., UL OFDM symbols configured via TDD-UL-DL-ConfigCommon, are not used for configuration of SBFD OFDM symbols as described above.

[0086] SBFD-to / from-non-SBFD Transition Points

[0087] In Rel-19 SBFD, one of the conditions in the configuration of SBFD OFDM symbols is that there must not be more than two transition points between SBFD to non-SBFD and vice-versa within a TDD pattern. The purpose of this restriction is to reduce the transition points at the communications device (such as a UE) since each may require a guard period in order for the communications device to perform the switching which reduces the number of OFDM symbols available to be used for transmissions or receptions, thereby underutilizing radio resources. Furthermore, frequent switching between SBFD and non-SBFD OFDM symbols may require increased communications device complexity. Therefore, ensuring that there are at most two transition points per TDD pattern means communications device complexity can be reduced.

[0088] An example of transition points is shown in Figure 8. In Figure 8, a network cell specific TDD slot format is configured using the TDD-UL-DL-ConfigCommon parameter and comprises two TDD patterns with formats {DDDSU} and {DDSUU} for TDD Pattern 1 and TDD Pattern 2 respectively. As represented by arrow 802, the TDD patterns are further configured with SBFD OFDM symbols. For TDD Pattern 1, the SBFD format is {DXXXU}, where “X” refers to a slot with SBFD OFDM symbols, and “S” refers to a slot with one or more Flexible OFDM symbols, whilst TDD Pattern 2 has an SBFD format {XDXUU} . The SBFD configuration for TDD Pattern 1 has two SBFD-to / from-non-SBFD transition points, i.e., between Slot n and Slot «+l, and Slot w+3 and Slot w+4 as shown in Figure 8 and therefore it is a valid SBFD configuration. On the other hand, TDD Pattern 2 has four SBFD-to / from-non-SBFD transition points, between Slot w+4 and Slot «+5, between Slot w+5 and Slot «+6, between Slot w+6 and Slot n+l, and within Slot n+~I. and therefore it is not a valid SBFD configuration. Although not shown in Figure 8 for clarity, guard periods may exist at each transition point.

[0089] Technical Problem

[0090] In Rel-19, the SBFD configuration is semi-static and is a cell-specific configuration (i.e., common configuration for all UEs in a cell). SBFD provides more uplink resources than the legacy TDD system since DL OFDM symbols can be configured with a UL subband. Since SBFD is configured in DL OFDM symbols or Flexible OFDM symbols, this will reduce the DL resources of the cell. However, if the UL traffic is not as heavy as anticipated, then the semi-static configuration of the UL subbands in SBFD OFDM symbols will be underutilized and may even cause congestion for DL traffic thereby adversely impacting overall performance. Hence for the upcoming Rel-20 SBFD, dynamic SBFD configuration is proposed [9],

[0010] ,

[0091] In [9], it is proposed that a semi-statically configured SBFD OFDM symbol can be dynamically enabled or disabled. In the context of the present disclosure, the enabling of a non-SBFD OFDM symbol means converting the non-SBFD OFDM symbol to an SBFD OFDM symbol. For example, a UL, DL or Flexible OFDM symbol may be converted to a DL OFDM symbol with a UL subband or a UL OFDM symbol with a DL subband. In the context of the present disclosure, the disabling of an SBFD OFDM symbol means converting the SBFD OFDM symbol to a non-SBFD OFDM symbol. For example, a DL OFDM symbol with a UL subband, or a UL OFDM symbol with a DL subband, is converted to a UL, DL or Flexible OFDM symbol. In a particular example, if an SBFD OFDM symbol is disabled, it can be reverted back to its original non-SBFD OFDM symbol, i.e. if the SBFD OFDM symbol is configuredP131318PCT / SYP357095 WOOl 11

[0092] from a DL OFDM symbol, then it is reverted back to a DL OFDM symbol, and if the SBFD OFDM symbol is configured from a Flexible OFDM symbol, then it is reverted back to a Flexible OFDM symbol. Dynamically disabling SBFD OFDM symbols enables agNB to provide more DL resources to a UE when the DL traffic is heavy or the UL traffic becomes light. Similarly, dynamically enabling SBFD OFDM symbols enables the gNB to dynamically convert the DL OFDM symbol back to the SBFD OFDM symbol when the DL traffic becomes light or the UL traffic is heavy. However, dynamically enabling or disabling SBFD OFDM symbols may violate the Rel-19 rule that there is permitted to be at most two SBFD-to / from-non-SBFD transition points in a TDD pattern, and thus lead to under-utilization of radio resources due to guard periods during transition, and increased communications device complexity as explained above.

[0093] There is therefore a need to provide improved methods, communications devices, and infrastructure equipment which help address the above issues.

[0094] SBFD OFDM symbol disable / enable indicator

[0095] In view of the above-mentioned technical problems, there is provided a method of operating infrastructure equipment of a wireless communications network as illustrated in Figure 9. The method starts at step SI. At step S2, the method comprises transmitting, to a communications device, at least one of a Sub-Band Full Duplex (SBFD) Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbol disable indicator and an SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator.

[0096] In other words, the infrastructure equipment transmits the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator and / or the SBFD OFDM enable indicator to the communications device.

[0097] The SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted into a set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols. At least one end of the set of contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted is adjacent to another set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols.

[0098] In the context of the present disclosure, contiguous OFDM symbols are OFDM symbols which are beside / consecutive to each other in the time domain. For example, the first, second and third OFDM symbols of an OFDM slot are a set of contiguous OFDM symbols. As another example, the seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth symbols of an OFDM slot are a set of contiguous OFDM symbols.

[0099] In the context of the present disclosure, each set of contiguous OFDM symbols has two ends: one end at the time at which the first OFDM symbol in the set starts and one end at the time at which the last OFDM symbol in the set ends. For example, if the set comprises the first, second and third symbols in a slot, one end of the set is the time at which the first OFDM symbol starts, and the other end of the set is the time at which the third OFDM symbol ends. In an example where a set comprises only one OFDM symbol, then one end is the time at which the OFDM symbol starts, and the other end is the time at which the OFDM symbol ends.

[0100] In the context of the present disclosure, references to sets of OFDM symbols being adjacent to each other means they are beside each other in time.

[0101] In some embodiments, the set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted comprises one or more multiples of fourteen OFDM symbols (i.e. a slot). E.g. the set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted may comprise 14, 28, or 42 symbols etc.P131318PCT / SYP357095 WOOl 12

[0102] In some embodiments, the set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted comprises one or more multiples of seven OFDM symbols (i.e. a half-slot). E.g. the set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted may comprise 7, 14, 21, or 28 symbols etc.

[0103] The SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted into a set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols. At least one end of the set of contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted is adjacent to another set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols.

[0104] A non-SBFD OFDM symbol may be an uplink symbol, a downlink symbol or a flexible symbol for example. An SBFD OFDM symbol is an OFDM symbol which comprises both uplink and downlink resources (e.g. a DL symbol configured with one or more UL subbands or a UL symbol with one or more DL subbands).

[0105] The method ends at step S3.

[0106] The SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator allows for the conversion of SBFD OFDM symbols to non-SBFD OFDM symbols. For example, SBFD OFDM symbols with a UL subband may be converted to DL symbols. Accordingly, more DL resources are available to the communications device when the DL traffic is heavy or the UL traffic becomes light. Since at least one end of the set of contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted is adjacent to another set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols, this maintains the number of transition points compared with if no end of the set of contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted is adjacent to another set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols. Accordingly, radio resources are efficiently utilised, and communications device complexity can be reduced. Furthermore, the Rel-19 rule that there can be at most two transition points per TDD pattern can be satisfied.

[0107] The SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator allows for the conversion of non-SBFD OFDM symbols to SBFD OFDM symbols. For example, non-SBFD OFDM symbols such as DL symbols may be converted to SBFD OFDM symbols such as DL symbols with a UL subband. Accordingly, more UL resources are available to the communications device when the UL traffic is heavy or the DL traffic becomes light. Since at least one end of the set of contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted is adjacent to another set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols, this maintains the number of transition points compared with if no end of the set of contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted is adjacent to another set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols. Accordingly, radio resources are efficiently utilised and communications device complexity can be reduced. Furthermore, the Rel-19 rule that there can be at most two transition points per TDD pattern can be satisfied.

[0108] Disabling SBFD OFDM symbols

[0109] The disabling of SBFD OFDM symbols means converting the SBFD OFDM symbols to non-SBFD OFDM symbols. For example, a UL OFDM symbol with one or more DL subbands, or a DL OFDM symbol with one or more UL subbands, may be converted to UL, DL or Flexible OFDM symbols.

[0110] The infrastructure equipment of a wireless communications network (such as a gNB) transmits an SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator to a communications device (such as a UE). The SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator may, for example, indicate to the UE to convert a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols to non-SBFD OFDM symbols. For example, the set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted may be previously configured as a particular non-SBFD OFDM symbol formatP131318PCT / SYP357095 WOOl 13

[0111] and the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator indicates that the set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted are to be converted back to the particular non-SBFD OFDM symbol format. For example, the set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted may have been previously configured as DL or flexible. In some embodiments, the set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols are configured back to DL or flexible respectively. Non-SBFD OFDM symbol formats comprise uplink format, downlink format and flexible format.

[0112] At least one end of the set of contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted is adjacent to another set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols.

[0113] The effect of disabling the one or more SBFD OFDM symbols is to increase the capacity of the downlink transmission. Since at least one end of the set of contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted is adjacent to another set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols, the Rel-19 rule that there can be at most two transition points in a TDD pattern can be satisfied.

[0114] An example of validly disabling SBFD OFDM symbols is shown in Figure 10. Figure 10 shows an SBFD slot format of {DXXXU} in a TDD pattern. The SBFD slot format has been configured from a TDD pattern of {DDDDU}. By transmitting an SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator, the gNB dynamically indicates that the first seven SBFD OFDM symbols of Slot «+l, which are shown in box 1002, are to be converted back to DL OFDM symbols. As shown in Figure 10, the contiguous set of seven SBFD OFDM symbols that are disabled have one end that is adjacent to a DL OFDM symbol, i.e. the first SBFD OFDM symbol of Slot n+1 is adjacent to the last DL OFDM symbol of Slot n. This is valid configuration as it maintains a maximum of two SBFD-to / from -non-SBFD transition points.

[0115] In some embodiments, the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator indicates the set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted by indicating a time gap. In such embodiments, the first SBFD OFDM symbol after expiry of the time gap may be the first symbol of the one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted. The time gap may be indicated as a number of OFDM symbols or a number of slots for example. Once the UE acquires the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator, the UE understands that it should disable the first SBFD OFDM symbol after the time gap. The SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator may indicate one or more further time gaps, after each of which the UE should disable the first SBFD OFDM symbol.

[0116] In some embodiments, the UE may be preconfigured with a minimum time gap. The minimum time gap may be predefined in a specification (such as a 3GPP specification) and is therefore known to the UE. The minimum time gap defines a minimum time period between reception of the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator and the first SBFD OFDM symbol to be converted as indicated by the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator. In an example, if the time period between the reception of the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator at the UE and the first SBFD OFDM symbol to be converted (as indicated by the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator) is less than the minimum time gap, then the UE may consider that the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator is invalid and / or may convert the subsequent SBFD ODFM symbol to a non-SBFD OFDM symbol instead.

[0117] In some embodiments, the SBFD OFDM symbol to be converted which is located at the at least one end has the same non-SBFD OFDM symbol format after the conversion as the non-SBFD OFDM symbol of the other set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols which is located at the at least one end. For example, as shown in Figure 10, the symbol located at the first symbol position of slot n+1 has the same non-SBFD OFDM symbol format (DL) after disabling as the symbol located at the last symbol position in slot n. In this example, the DL symbol with UL subband at the first symbol position in slotP131318PCT / SYP357095 WOOl 14

[0118] n+1 is disabled to be DL so that is has the same non-SBFD OFDM symbol format as the DL symbol which is last in slot n. In other embodiments, the SBFD OFDM symbol to be converted which is located at the at least one end does not have the same non-SBFD OFDM symbol format after the conversion as the non-SBFD OFDM symbol of the other set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols which is located at the at least one end.

[0119] Figure 11 shows an example of invalidly disabling SBFD OFDM symbols. Figure 11 shows an SBFD slot format of {DXXXU} in a TDD pattern. The SBFD slot format has been configured from a TDD pattern of {DDDDU}. By transmitting an SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator, the dynamically indicates that the first seven SBFD OFDM symbols in Slot w+2. as shown in box 1102, are to be disabled. Since neither end of the set of disabled contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols are adjacent to non-SBFD OFDM symbols, the disabling of these SBFD OFDM symbols is invalid, since it would lead to four SBFD-to / from-non-SBFD transition points within a TDD pattern, which is above the maximum allowed transition points.

[0120] Enabling SBFD OFDM symbols

[0121] Similar to the disabling of SBFD OFDM symbols, it is beneficial to enable SBFD OFDM symbols such that a maximum of two SBFD-to / from-non-SBFD transition points is not exceeded. As mentioned previously, the enabling of a non-SBFD OFDM symbols means converting the non-SBFD OFDM symbols to SBFD OFDM symbols. For example, a UL, DL or Flexible OFDM symbol may be converted to SBFD OFDM symbols, i.e., a DL OFDM symbol with one or more UL subbands or a UL OFDM symbol with one or more DL subbands.

[0122] In some embodiments, a gNB transmits an SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator to a UE. The SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator may, for example, indicate to the UE to convert a set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols to SBFD OFDM symbols. For example, the set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted may be previously configured as a particular SBFD OFDM symbol format and the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator indicates that the set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted are to be converted back to the particular SBFD OFDM symbol format. For example, the set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted may have been previously configured as a DL symbol with a UL subband or a UL symbol with a DL subband. In some embodiments, the set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols are configured back to a DL symbol with a UL subband or a UL symbol with a DL subband respectively. SBFD OFDM symbol formats may comprise: a DL symbol with one or more UL subbands or a UL symbol with one or more DL subbands for example.

[0123] At least one end of the set of contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted is adjacent to another set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols.

[0124] In some embodiments, the set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted have not previously been configured as SBFD OFDM symbols, and the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator identifies the particular SBFD OFDM symbol format into which the non-SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted. For example, the one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted are originally downlink, flexible, or uplink symbols, and are converted to SBFD OFDM symbols. The non-SBFD OFDM symbols may have originally been configured as non-SBFD OFDM symbols by RRC signaling from the infrastructure equipment using the legacy parameter TDD-UL-DL-ConfigCommon.

[0125] An example of validly enabling non-SBFD OFDM symbols is shown in Figure 12. In Figure 12, a {DXXXU} SBFD format in a TDD pattern is shown. By transmitting an SBFD OFDM symbol enableP131318PCT / SYP357095 WOOl 15

[0126] indicator prior to box 1202, the gNB indicates that latter half of Slot n as shown in box 1202 of Figure 12, which comprises DL and Flexible OFDM symbols, are to be converted to SBFD OFDM symbols. Since these non-SBFD OFDM symbols are a set of contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols where one end at the Slot n boundary is adjacent to a SBFD OFDM symbol in Slot «+l, the conversion of these non-SBFD OFDM symbols to SBFD OFDM symbols is valid. As can be observed in Figure 12, the non-SBFD OFDM symbols that are enabled to be SBFD OFDM symbols will still result in two SBFD-to / from-non-SBFD transition points within the TDD pattern.

[0127] In some embodiments, the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator indicates the set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted by indicating a time gap. In such embodiments, the first non-SBFD OFDM symbol after expiry of the time gap may be the first symbol of the one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted. The time gap may be indicated as a number of OFDM symbols or a number of slots for example. Once the UE acquires the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator, the UE understands that it should enable the first non-SBFD OFDM symbol after the time gap. The SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator may indicate one or more further time gaps, after each of which the UE should enable the first non-SBFD OFDM symbol.

[0128] In some embodiments, the UE may be preconfigured with a minimum time gap. The minimum time gap may be predefined in a specification (such as a 3GPP specification) and is therefore known to the UE. The minimum time gap defines a minimum time period between reception of the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator and the first non-SBFD OFDM symbol to be converted as indicated by the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator. In an example, if the time period between the reception of the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator at the UE and the first non-SBFD OFDM symbol to be converted (as indicated by the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator) is less than the minimum time gap, then the UE may consider that the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator is invalid or may convert the subsequent non-SBFD ODFM symbol to an SBFD OFDM symbol instead.

[0129] In some embodiments, the non-SBFD OFDM symbol to be converted which is located at the at least one end has the same SBFD OFDM symbol format after conversion as the SBFD OFDM symbol of the other set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols which is located at the at least one end. For example, in Figure 12, the symbol located at the last symbol position of slot n has the same SBFD OFDM symbol format after enabling (DL symbol with UL subband) as the symbol located at the first symbol position in slot n+1. In other embodiments, the non-SBFD OFDM symbol to be converted which is located at the at least one end does not have the same SBFD OFDM symbol format after conversion as the SBFD OFDM symbol of the other set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols which is located at the at least one end.

[0130] Figure 13 is an example of an invalid enabling of non-SBFD OFDM symbols to SBFD OFDM symbols in a TDD pattern with a SBFD format {DXXXU}. By transmitting an SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator, the gNB dynamically indicates that the non-SBFD (DL) OFDM symbols in the first half of Slot n as shown in box 1302 in Figure 13, are to be enabled. Since neither of the end of these DL OFDM symbols is adjacent to a SBFD OFDM symbol, this enabling of non-SBFD OFDM symbols to SBFD OFDM symbols is invalid. It will be appreciated that enabling these non-SBFD OFDM symbols would lead to more than the maximum two SBFD-to / from-non-SBFD transition points in a TDD pattern.

[0131] Dynamic Indication

[0132] In some embodiments, the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator identifies the set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted within a TDD pattern and indicates that the set of one or more SBFDP131318PCT / SYP357095 WOOl 16

[0133] OFDM symbols to be converted are to be converted for one or more TDD pattern cycles. Each TDD pattern cycle comprises the particular TDD pattern and, optionally, one or more further TDD patterns. In some embodiments SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator indicates that the set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted into non-SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted for only one TDD pattern cycle. In some such embodiments, the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator may indicate that the set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted into non-SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted for only the particular TDD pattern.

[0134] In some embodiments, the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator indicates that the set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted for every TDD pattern cycle until further notice.

[0135] In some embodiments, the UE receives, from the gNB after one or more of the TDD pattern cycles, an indication to stop converting the set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols identified in the TDD pattern into non-SBFD OFDM symbols for subsequent TDD pattern cycles.

[0136] In some embodiments, the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator is comprised in a slot format indicator (SFI). In some such embodiments, the set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted into non-SBFD OFDM symbols remain converted (i.e. remain as non-SBFD OFDM symbols) for the duration of the periodicity of the SFI. For example, if the SFI has a duration of 10 ms, and the particular TDD pattern has a duration of 5 ms, then the set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted remain as non-SBFD OFDM symbols for two TDD patterns duration, i.e. for 10 ms. In this example, each TDD pattern cycle comprised only the particular TDD pattern.

[0137] In some embodiments, the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator is comprised in downlink control information (DCI). In such embodiments, the DCI may be regarded as activation / deactivation DCI. For example, a DCI comprising the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator may be regarded as an activation DCI. In such embodiments, the set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols to be disabled may remain disabled in every TDD pattern cycle until they are re-enabled by a deactivation DCI comprising an SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator.

[0138] In some embodiments, the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator is comprised in a UL Grant or DL Grant. For example, DCI carrying the UL Grant or DL Grant that dynamically schedules PUSCH or PDSCH respectively, also comprises the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator. In such embodiments, the disabled SBFD OFDM symbols may be disabled only once (i.e. in the particular TDD pattern) and revert back to SBFD OFDM symbols in the next TDD pattern cycle. For example, in Figure 10, if the SBFD OFDM symbols in box 1002 are disabled by UL / DL Grant, they revert back to SBFD OFDM symbols in the next TDD pattern cycle.

[0139] In some embodiments, the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator identifies the set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted within a TDD pattern and indicates that the set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted are to be converted for one or more TDD pattern cycles. Each TDD pattern cycle comprises the particular TDD pattern and, optionally, one or more further TDD patterns.

[0140] In some embodiments SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator indicates that the set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted into SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted for only one TDD pattern cycle. In some such embodiments, the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator may indicate thatP131318PCT / SYP357095 WOOl 17

[0141] the set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted into SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted for only the particular TDD pattern.

[0142] In some embodiments, the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator indicates that the set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted for every TDD pattern cycle until further notice.

[0143] In some embodiments, the UE receives, from the gNB after one or more of the TDD pattern cycles, an indication to stop converting the set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols identified in the TDD pattern into SBFD OFDM symbols for subsequent TDD pattern cycles.

[0144] In some embodiments, the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator is comprised in a slot format indicator (SFI). In some such embodiments, the set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted into SBFD OFDM symbols remain converted (i.e. remain as SBFD OFDM symbols) for the duration of the periodicity of the SFI. For example, if the SFI has a duration of 10 ms, and the particular TDD pattern has a duration of 5 ms, then the set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted remain as SBFD OFDM symbols for two TDD patterns duration, i.e. for 10 ms. In this example, each TDD pattern cycle comprised only the particular TDD pattern.

[0145] In some embodiments, the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator is comprised in downlink control information (DCI). In such embodiments, the DCI may be regarded as activation / deactivation DCI. For example, a DCI comprising the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator may be regarded as an activation DCI. In such embodiments, the set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be enabled may remain enabled in every TDD pattern cycle until they are re-enabled by a deactivation DCI comprising an SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator.

[0146] In some embodiments, the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator is comprised in a UL Grant or DL Grant. For example, DCI carrying the UL Grant or DL Grant that dynamically schedules PUSCH or PDSCH respectively, also comprises the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator. In such embodiments, the enabled SBFD OFDM symbols may be enabled only once (i.e. in the particular TDD pattern) and revert back to non-SBFD OFDM symbols in the next TDD pattern cycle. For example, in Figure 12, if the non-SBFD OFDM symbols in box 1202 are enabled by UL / DL Grant, they revert back to non-SBFD OFDM symbols in the next TDD pattern cycle.

[0147] Semi-Static Configuration

[0148] In some embodiments, the gNB transmits, to the UE, an indication of a plurality of candidate sets of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols to the UE. The plurality of candidate sets are sets of SBFD OFDM symbols which are permitted to be converted to non-SBFD OFDM symbols. The set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted is one of the plurality of candidate sets.

[0149] In some embodiments, indication of the plurality of candidate sets of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols is comprised in a semi-static signal (for example, an RRC signal or a MAC CE signal). Such embodiments allow the gNB to determine, in advance, which sets of SBFD OFDM symbols are able to be converted to non-SBFD OFDM symbols. This further assists the gNB to ensure that a maximum of two transition points per TDD pattern is not exceeded. Such embodiments can also reduce the amount of signaling required to inform the UE of which SBFD OFDM symbols to disable (this is particularly advantageous in cases where the SBFD OFDM symbols are disabled / re-enabled by activation / deactivation DCI). For example, two candidate sets of contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols may be semi-statically configured and the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator uses two bits to indicate which of theP131318PCT / SYP357095 WOOl 18

[0150] candidate sets (either one or both) are to be disabled. In another example, two candidate sets of contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols may be semi-statically configured and the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator uses one bit to indicate which one of the two sets is disabled.

[0151] In some embodiments, the gNB transmits, to the UE, an indication of a plurality of candidate sets of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols to the UE. The plurality of candidate sets are sets of non-SBFD OFDM symbols which are permitted to be converted to SBFD OFDM symbols. The set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted is one of the plurality of candidate sets.

[0152] In some embodiments, indication of the plurality of candidate sets of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols is comprised in a semi-static signal (for example, an RRC signal or a MAC CE signal). Such embodiments allow the gNB to determine, in advance, which sets of non-SBFD OFDM symbols are able to be converted to SBFD OFDM symbols. This further assists the gNB to ensure that a maximum of two transition points per TDD pattern is not exceeded. Such embodiments can also reduce the amount of signaling required to inform the UE of which non-SBFD OFDM symbols to enable (this is particularly advantageous in cases where the non-SBFD OFDM symbols are enabled / disabled by activation / deactivation DCI). For example, two candidate sets of contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols may be semi-statically configured and the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator uses two bits to indicate which of the candidate sets (either one or both) are to be enabled. In another example, two candidate sets of contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols may be semi-statically configured and the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator uses one bit to indicate which one of the two sets is enabled.

[0153] SBFD OFDM subband disable / enable indicator

[0154] In view of the above-mentioned technical problems, there is also provided a method of operating infrastructure equipment of a wireless communications network as illustrated in Figure 14. The method starts at step S10.

[0155] At step S20, the method comprises transmitting, to a communications device, at least one of a Sub-Band Full Duplex (SBFD) Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) subband enable indicator and an SBFD OFDM subband disable indicator.

[0156] In other words, the infrastructure equipment transmits the SBFD OFDM subband enable indicator and / or the SBFD OFDM subband disable indicator to the communications device.

[0157] The SBFD OFDM subband enable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising an uplink subband are to be configured with additional uplink resources and / or indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising a downlink subband are configured with additional downlink resources.

[0158] As will be appreciated, uplink resources are radio resources configured for uplink transmission (from a communications device to infrastructure equipment of a wireless communications network) and downlink resources are radio resources configured for downlink transmission (from infrastructure equipment of a wireless communications network to a communications device).

[0159] In some embodiments, the additional uplink resources and / or additional downlink resources are an additional uplink subband and / or additional downlink subband respectively. In embodiments where the additional uplink resources are an additional uplink subband, there may be downlink resources and / or one or more guard bands between the uplink subband and the additional uplink subband. In embodimentsP131318PCT / SYP357095 WOOl 19

[0160] where the additional downlink resources are an additional downlink subband, there may be uplink resources and / or one or more guard bands between the downlink subband and the additional downlink subband.

[0161] In some embodiments, the additional uplink resources and / or additional downlink resources enlarge the uplink subband and / or the downlink subband respectively.

[0162] The SBFD OFDM subband disable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising an uplink subband are to be configured with fewer uplink resources and / or indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising a downlink subband are configured with fewer downlink resources.

[0163] In some embodiments, the indicating that the set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising an uplink subband are to be configured with fewer uplink resources comprises indicating that uplink resources are to be removed from the uplink subband (e.g., by converting some uplink resources in the uplink subband to downlink or flexible resources).

[0164] In some embodiments, the indicating that the set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising a downlink subband are to be configured with fewer downlink resources comprises indicating that downlink resources are to be removed from the downlink subband (e.g., by converting some downlink resources in the downlink subband to uplink or flexible resources).

[0165] In some embodiments, the indicating that the set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising an uplink subband are to be configured with fewer uplink resources comprises indicating that uplink resources are to be removed from an additional uplink subband comprised in the set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols (e.g. by converting some or all of the uplink resources in the additional uplink subband to downlink or flexible resources).

[0166] In some embodiments, the indicating that the set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising a downlink subband are to be configured with fewer downlink resources comprises indicating that downlink resources are to be removed from an additional downlink subband comprised in the set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols (e.g. by converting some or all of the downlink resources in the downlink additional subband to uplink or flexible resources).

[0167] In some embodiments, the SBFD OFDM subband enable indicator and / or the SBFD OFDM subband disable indicator is comprised in a dynamic signal, such as one selected from the list consisting of: an SFI, a DCI, a UL grant, a DL grant, an RRC signal and a MAC CE signal.

[0168] In some embodiments, the SBFD OFDM subband enable indicator and / or the SBFD OFDM subband disable indicator comprised in a semi-static signal, such as one selected from the list consisting of: an RRC signal, and a MAC CE signal.

[0169] The method ends at step S30.

[0170] By transmitting at least one of an SBFD OFDM subband enable indicator and an SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator, the amount of uplink and / or downlink resources can be varied (in accordance with fluctuations in demand for uplink and / or downlink resources) without increasing the number of SBFD to / from non-SBFD transition points.P131318PCT / SYP357095 WOOl 20

[0171] An example where the additional uplink resources enlarge a UL subband in a TDD pattern is shown in Figure 15. A gNB transmits an SBFD subband enable indicator to a UE. The SBFD subband enable indicator indicates that the UL subband in slots n+1, n+2 and n+3 is to be enlarged (in this example, doubled in frequency width). The additional uplink resources of the enlarged subband are represented by box 1502.

[0172] Invalid Disabling / Enabling

[0173] In view of the above-mentioned technical problems, there is also provided a method of receiving, from infrastructure equipment of a wireless communications network, at least one of a Sub-Band Full Duplex (SBFD) Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbol disable indicator and an SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator.

[0174] The SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted into a set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols.

[0175] The SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted into a set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols.

[0176] In such embodiments, the SBFD OFDM symbol disabled indicator and / or SBFD enable indicator may create an invalid TDD pattern if there are more than two SBFD to / from non-SBFD transition points in the TDD pattern.

[0177] In some embodiments the communications device may determine, based on the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator that there will be more than two SBFD to / from non-SFBD transition points in a TDD pattern after the set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols are converted into a set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols. In some embodiments, this may be an error case and the communications device behaviour is undefined. In some embodiments, in response to the determination that there will be more than two SBFD to / from non-SFBD transition points in the TDD pattern after the set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols are converted into the set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols, the communications device may ignore the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator. In other words, the communications device does not convert the set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols indicated by the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator to non-SBFD OFDM symbols.

[0178] In some embodiments the communications device may determine, based on the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator that there will be more than two SBFD to / from non-SBFD transition points in a TDD pattern after the set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols are converted into a set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols. In some embodiments, this may be an error case, and the communications device behaviour is undefined. In some embodiments, in response to the determination that there will be more than two SBFD to / from non-SBFD transition points in the TDD pattern after the set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols are converted into the set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols, the communications device may ignore the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator. In other words, the communications device does not convert the set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols indicated by the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator to SBFD OFDM symbols.

[0179] For ease of explanation, example embodiments have been described with reference to a UE and gNB. It will however be appreciated that such embodiments apply more generally to a communications device and infrastructure equipment of a wireless communications network.P131318PCT / SYP357095 WOOl 21

[0180] Those skilled in the art would further appreciate that such infrastructure equipment and / or communications devices as herein defined may be further defined in accordance with the various arrangements and embodiments discussed in the preceding paragraphs. It would be further appreciated by those skilled in the art that such infrastructure equipment and communications devices as herein defined and described may form part of communications systems other than those defined by the present disclosure, provided that these are within the scope of the claims.

[0181] The following numbered paragraphs provide further example aspects and features of the present technique:

[0182] Paragraph 1. A method of operating infrastructure equipment of a wireless communications network, the method comprising

[0183] transmitting, to a communications device, at least one of a Sub-Band Full Duplex (SBFD) Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbol disable indicator and an SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator, wherein

[0184] the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted into a set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols, wherein at least one end of the set of contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted is adjacent to another set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols, and

[0185] the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted into a set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols, wherein at least one end of the set of contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted is adjacent to another set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols.

[0186] Paragraph 2. A method according to paragraph 1, wherein the set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted into the set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols were previously configured as a particular non-SBFD OFDM symbol format and the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator indicates that the set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted are to be converted back to the particular non-SBFD OFDM symbol format.

[0187] Paragraph 3. A method according to paragraph 2, wherein the particular non-SBFD OFDM symbol format is one selected from the list comprising: a downlink OFDM symbol format, an uplink OFDM symbol format and a flexible OFDM symbol format.

[0188] Paragraph 4. A method according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator indicates the set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted by indicating a time gap, wherein the first symbol after expiry the time gap is the first symbol of the one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted.

[0189] Paragraph 5. A method according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator identifies the set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted within a Time Division Duplex particular (TDD) pattern and indicates that the set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted are to be converted for one or more TDD pattern cycles, wherein each TDD pattern cycle comprises the particular TDD pattern and, optionally, one or more further TDD patterns.

[0190] Paragraph 6. A method according to paragraph 5, wherein the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator indicates that the set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted into non-SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted for only one TDD pattern cycle.

[0191] Paragraph 7. A method according to paragraph 5, wherein the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator indicates that the set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted into non-SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted for every TDD pattern cycle until further notice.

[0192] Paragraph 8. A method according to paragraph 7, comprising

[0193] transmitting, to the communications device after one or more of the TDD pattern cycles, an indication to stop converting the set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols identified in the TDD pattern into non-SBFD OFDM symbols for subsequent TDD pattern cycles.P131318PCT / SYP357095 WOOl 22

[0194] Paragraph 9. A method according to paragraph 8, wherein the indication to stop converting the set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols identified in the TDD pattern into non-SBFD OFDM symbols for subsequent TDD pattern cycles is comprised in Downlink Control Information (DCI).

[0195] Paragraph 10. A method according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator is comprised in a Slot Format Indicator (SFI).

[0196] Paragraph 11. A method according to any of paragraphs 1 to 9, wherein the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator is comprised in a Downlink Control Information (DCI).

[0197] Paragraph 12. A method according to any of paragraphs 1 to 10, wherein the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator is comprised in an uplink grant or a downlink grant.

[0198] Paragraph 13. A method according to any preceding paragraph, comprising

[0199] transmitting, to the communications device, an indication of a plurality of candidate sets of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols, wherein

[0200] the plurality of candidate sets are sets of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols which are permitted to be converted to non-SBFD OFDM symbols, and

[0201] the set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted is one of the plurality of candidate sets.

[0202] Paragraph 14. A method according to paragraph 13, wherein the indication of the plurality of candidate sets of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols is comprised in a semi-static signal.

[0203] Paragraph 15. A method according to paragraph 14, wherein the semi-static signal is a Radio Resource Control (RRC) signal or a Medium Access Control Control Element (MAC CE) signal.

[0204] Paragraph 16. A method according to any of paragraphs 13 to 15, wherein the number of plurality of candidate sets is two and the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator comprises one or two bits for indicating which of the plurality of candidate sets is the set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted.

[0205] Paragraph 17. A method according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted comprises one or more multiples of fourteen OFDM symbols.

[0206] Paragraph 18. A method according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted comprises one or more multiples of seven OFDM symbols.

[0207] Paragraph 19. A method according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the SBFD OFDM symbol to be converted which is located at the at least one end has the same non-SBFD OFDM symbol format after the conversion as the non-SBFD OFDM symbol of the other set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols which is located at the at least one end.

[0208] Paragraph 20. A method according to paragraph 19, wherein the non-SBFD OFDM symbol format is one selected from the list comprising: an uplink OFDM symbol format, a downlink OFDM symbol format and a flexible OFDM symbol format.

[0209] Paragraph 21. A method according to any of paragraphs 1 to 20, wherein the set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted have not previously been configured as SBFD OFDM symbols, and the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator identifies a particular SBFD symbol format into which the non-SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted.

[0210] Paragraph 22. A method according to any of paragraphs 1 to 20, wherein the set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted into the set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols were previously configured as a particular SBFD OFDM symbol format and the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator indicates that the set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted are to be converted back to the particular SBFD OFDM symbol format.

[0211] Paragraph 23. A method according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator indicates the set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted by indicating a time gap, wherein the first symbol after expiry the time gap is the first symbol of the one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted.P131318PCT / SYP357095 WOOl 23

[0212] Paragraph 24. A method according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator identifies the set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted within a Time Division Duplex particular (TDD) pattern and indicates that the set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted are to be converted for one or more TDD pattern cycles, wherein each TDD pattern cycle comprises the particular TDD pattern and, optionally, one or more further TDD patterns.

[0213] Paragraph 25. A method according to paragraph 24, wherein the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator indicates that the set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted into SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted for only one TDD pattern cycle.

[0214] Paragraph 26. A method according to paragraph 24, wherein the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator indicates that the set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted into SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted for every TDD pattern cycle until further notice.

[0215] Paragraph 27. A method according to paragraph 26, comprising

[0216] transmitting, to the communications device after one or more of the TDD pattern cycles, an indication to stop converting the set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols identified in the TDD pattern into SBFD OFDM symbols for subsequent TDD pattern cycles.

[0217] Paragraph 28. A method according to paragraph 27, wherein the indication to stop converting the set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols identified in the TDD pattern into SBFD OFDM symbols for subsequent TDD pattern cycles is comprised in Downlink Control Information (DCI).

[0218] Paragraph 29. A method according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator is comprised in a Slot Format Indicator (SFI).

[0219] Paragraph 30. A method according to any of paragraphs 1 to 28, wherein the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator is comprised in a Downlink Control Information (DCI).

[0220] Paragraph 31. A method according to any of paragraphs 1 to 28, wherein the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator is comprised in an uplink grant or a downlink grant.

[0221] Paragraph 32. A method according to any preceding paragraph, comprising

[0222] transmitting, to the communications device, an indication of a plurality of candidate sets of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols, wherein

[0223] the plurality of candidate sets are sets of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols which are permitted to be converted to SBFD OFDM symbols, and

[0224] the set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted is one of the plurality of candidate sets.

[0225] Paragraph 33. A method according to paragraph 32, wherein the indication of the plurality of candidate sets of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols is comprised in a semi-static signal.

[0226] Paragraph 34. A method according to paragraph 33, wherein the semi-static signal is a Radio Resource Control (RRC) signal or a Medium Access Control Control Element (MAC CE) signal.

[0227] Paragraph 35. A method according to any of paragraphs 32 to 34, wherein the number of plurality of candidate sets is two and the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator comprises one or two bits for indicating which of the plurality of candidate sets is the set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted.

[0228] Paragraph 36. A method according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted comprises one or more multiples of fourteen OFDM symbols. Paragraph 37. A method according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted comprises one or more multiples of seven OFDM symbols.

[0229] Paragraph 38. A method according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the non-SBFD OFDM symbol to be converted which is located at the at least one end has the same SBFD OFDM symbol format after conversion as the SBFD OFDM symbol of the other set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols which is located at the at least one end.P131318PCT / SYP357095 WOOl 24

[0230] Paragraph 39. A method of operating infrastructure equipment of a wireless communications network, the method comprising

[0231] transmitting, to a communications device, at least one of a Sub-Band Full Duplex (SBFD) Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) subband enable indicator and an SBFD OFDM subband disable indicator, wherein

[0232] the SBFD subband enable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising an uplink subband are to be configured with additional uplink resources and / or indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising a downlink subband are to be configured with additional downlink resources, and

[0233] the SBFD subband disable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising an uplink subband are to be configured with fewer uplink resources and / or indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising a downlink subband are to be configured with fewer downlink resources.

[0234] Paragraph 40. A method according to paragraph 39, wherein the additional uplink resources are an additional uplink subband and / or the additional downlink resources are an additional downlink subband. Paragraph 41. A method according to paragraph 39 or paragraph 40, wherein the additional uplink resources enlarge the uplink subband and / or the additional downlink resources enlarge the downlink subband.

[0235] Paragraph 42. A method according to nay of paragraphs 39 to 41, wherein the indicating that the set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising an uplink subband are to be configured with fewer uplink resources comprises

[0236] indicating that uplink resources are to be removed from the uplink subband.

[0237] Paragraph 43. A method according to any of paragraphs 39 to 42, wherein the indicating that the set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising a downlink subband are to be configured with fewer downlink resources comprises

[0238] indicating that downlink resources are to be removed from the downlink subband

[0239] Paragraph 44. A method of a communications device, the method comprising

[0240] receiving, from infrastructure equipment of a wireless communications network, at least one of a Sub-Band Full Duplex (SBFD) Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbol disable indicator and an SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator, wherein

[0241] the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted into a set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols, wherein at least one end of the set of contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted is adjacent to another set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols, and

[0242] the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted into a set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols, wherein at least one end of the set of contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted is adjacent to another set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols.

[0243] Paragraph 45. A method of operating a communications device, the method comprising

[0244] receiving, from infrastructure equipment of a wireless communications network, at least one of a Sub-Band Full Duplex (SBFD) Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) subband enable indicator and an SBFD OFDM subband disable indicator, wherein

[0245] the SBFD subband enable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising an uplink subband are to be configured with additional uplink resources and / or indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising a downlink subband are configured with additional downlink resources, and

[0246] the SBFD subband disable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising an uplink subband are to be configured with fewer uplink resources and / or indicatesP131318PCT / SYP357095 WOOl 25

[0247] that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising a downlink subband are configured with fewer downlink resources.

[0248] Paragraph 46. A method of a communications device, the method comprising

[0249] receiving, from infrastructure equipment of a wireless communications network, at least one of a Sub-Band Full Duplex (SBFD) Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbol disable indicator and an SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator, wherein

[0250] the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted into a set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols, and

[0251] the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted into a set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols, wherein the method comprises either

[0252] determining that there will be more than two SBFD to / from non-SBFD transition points in a Time Division Duplex (TDD) pattern after the set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols are converted into a set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols, and in response,

[0253] ignoring the SBFD OFDM disable symbol indicator, and / or

[0254] determining that there will be more than two SBFD to / from non-SBFD transition points in a TDD pattern after the set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols are converted into a set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols, and in response,

[0255] ignoring the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator.

[0256] Paragraph 47. Infrastructure equipment for a wireless communications network, the infrastructure equipment comprising

[0257] a transmitter configured to transmit signals,

[0258] a receiver configured to receive signals, and

[0259] a controller configured in combination with the transmitter and the receiver to

[0260] transmit, to a communications device, at least one of a Sub-Band Full Duplex (SBFD) Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbol disable indicator and an SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator, wherein

[0261] the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted into a set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols, wherein at least one end of the set of contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted is adjacent to another set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols, and

[0262] the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted into a set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols, wherein at least one end of the set of contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted is adjacent to another set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols.

[0263] Paragraph 48. Infrastructure equipment for a wireless communications network, the infrastructure equipment comprising

[0264] a transmitter configured to transmit signals,

[0265] a receiver configured to receive signals, and

[0266] a controller configured in combination with the transmitter and the receiver to

[0267] transmit, to a communications device, at least one of a Sub-Band Full Duplex (SBFD) Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) subband enable indicator and an SBFD OFDM subband disable indicator, wherein

[0268] the SBFD subband enable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising an uplink subband are to be configured with additional uplink resources and / or indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising a downlink subband are to be configured with additional downlink resources, and

[0269] the SBFD subband disable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising an uplink subband are to be configured with fewer uplink resources and / or indicatesP131318PCT / SYP357095 WOOl 26

[0270] that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising a downlink subband are to be configured with fewer downlink resources.

[0271] Paragraph 49. A communications device comprising

[0272] a transmitter configured to transmit signals,

[0273] a receiver configured to receive signals, and

[0274] a controller configured in combination with the transmitter and the receiver to

[0275] receive, from infrastructure equipment of a wireless communications network, at least one of a Sub-Band Full Duplex (SBFD) Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbol disable indicator and an SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator, wherein

[0276] the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted into a set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols, wherein at least one end of the set of contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted is adjacent to another set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols, and

[0277] the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted into a set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols, wherein at least one end of the set of contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted is adjacent to another set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols.

[0278] Paragraph 50. A communications device comprising

[0279] a transmitter configured to transmit signals,

[0280] a receiver configured to receive signals, and

[0281] a controller configured in combination with the transmitter and the receiver to

[0282] receive, from infrastructure equipment of a wireless communications network, at least one of a Sub-Band Full Duplex (SBFD) Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) subband enable indicator and an SBFD OFDM subband disable indicator, wherein

[0283] the SBFD subband enable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising an uplink subband are to be configured with additional uplink resources and / or indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising a downlink subband are configured with additional downlink resources, and

[0284] the SBFD subband disable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising an uplink subband are to be configured with fewer uplink resources and / or indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising a downlink subband are configured with fewer downlink resources.

[0285] Paragraph 51. A communications device comprising

[0286] a transmitter configured to transmit signals,

[0287] a receiver configured to receive signals, and

[0288] a controller configured in combination with the transmitter and the receiver to

[0289] receive, from infrastructure equipment of a wireless communications network, at least one of a Sub-Band Full Duplex (SBFD) Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbol disable indicator and an SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator, wherein

[0290] the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted into a set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols, and

[0291] the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted into a set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols, wherein the controller is configured in combination with the transmitter and the receiver to either

[0292] determine that there will be more than two SBFD to / from non-SBFD transition points in a Time Division Duplex (TDD) pattern after the set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols are converted into a set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols, and in response,

[0293] ignore the SBFD OFDM disable symbol indicator, and / orP131318PCT / SYP357095 WOOl 27

[0294] determine that there will be more than two SBFD to / from non-SBFD transition points in a TDD pattern after the set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols are converted into a set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols, and in response,

[0295] ignore the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator.

[0296] Paragraph 52. Circuitry for infrastructure equipment of a wireless communications network, the circuitry comprising

[0297] transmitter circuitry configured to transmit signals,

[0298] receiver circuitry configured to receive signals, and

[0299] controller circuitry configured in combination with the transmitter circuitry and the receiver circuitry to

[0300] transmit, to a communications device, at least one of a Sub-Band Full Duplex (SBFD) Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbol disable indicator and an SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator, wherein

[0301] the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted into a set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols, wherein at least one end of the set of contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted is adjacent to another set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols, and

[0302] the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted into a set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols, wherein at least one end of the set of contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted is adjacent to another set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols.

[0303] Paragraph 53. Circuitry for infrastructure equipment of a wireless communications network, the circuitry comprising

[0304] transmitter circuitry configured to transmit signals,

[0305] receiver circuitry configured to receive signals, and

[0306] controller circuitry configured in combination with the transmitter circuitry and the receiver circuitry to

[0307] transmit, to a communications device, at least one of a Sub-Band Full Duplex (SBFD) Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) subband enable indicator and an SBFD OFDM subband disable indicator, wherein

[0308] the SBFD subband enable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising an uplink subband are to be configured with additional uplink resources and / or indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising a downlink subband are to be configured with additional downlink resources, and

[0309] the SBFD subband disable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising an uplink subband are to be configured with fewer uplink resources and / or indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising a downlink subband are to be configured with fewer downlink resources.

[0310] Paragraph 54. Circuitry for a communications device, the circuitry comprising

[0311] transmitter circuitry configured to transmit signals,

[0312] receiver circuitry configured to receive signals, and

[0313] controller circuitry configured in combination with the transmitter circuitry and the receiver circuitry to

[0314] receive, from infrastructure equipment of a wireless communications network, at least one of a Sub-Band Full Duplex (SBFD) Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbol disable indicator and an SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator, wherein

[0315] the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted into a set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols, wherein at leastP131318PCT / SYP357095 WOOl 28

[0316] one end of the set of contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted is adjacent to another set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols, and

[0317] the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted into a set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols, wherein at least one end of the set of contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted is adjacent to another set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols.

[0318] Paragraph 55. Circuitry for a communications device, the circuitry comprising

[0319] transmitter circuitry configured to transmit signals,

[0320] receiver circuitry configured to receive signals, and

[0321] controller circuitry configured in combination with the transmitter circuitry and the receiver circuitry to

[0322] receive, from infrastructure equipment of a wireless communications network, at least one of a Sub-Band Full Duplex (SBFD) Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) subband enable indicator and an SBFD OFDM subband disable indicator, wherein

[0323] the SBFD subband enable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising an uplink subband are to be configured with additional uplink resources and / or indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising a downlink subband are configured with additional downlink resources, and

[0324] the SBFD subband disable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising an uplink subband are to be configured with fewer uplink resources and / or indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising a downlink subband are configured with fewer downlink resources.

[0325] Paragraph 56. Circuitry for a communications device, the circuitry comprising

[0326] transmitter circuitry configured to transmit signals,

[0327] receiver circuitry configured to receive signals, and

[0328] controller circuitry configured in combination with the transmitter circuitry and the receiver circuitry to

[0329] receive, from infrastructure equipment of a wireless communications network, at least one of a Sub-Band Full Duplex (SBFD) Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbol disable indicator and an SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator, wherein

[0330] the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted into a set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols, and

[0331] the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted into a set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols, wherein the controller circuitry is configured in combination with the transmitter circuitry and the receiver circuitry to either

[0332] determine that there will be more than two SBFD to / from non-SBFD transition points in a Time Division Duplex (TDD) pattern after the set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols are converted into a set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols, and in response,

[0333] ignore the SBFD OFDM disable symbol indicator, and / or

[0334] determine that there will be more than two SBFD to / from non-SBFD transition points in a TDD pattern after the set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols are converted into a set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols, and in response,

[0335] ignore the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator.

[0336] Paragraph 57. A computer program which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of any of paragraphs 1 to 46.

[0337] Paragraph 58. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program according to paragraph 57.P131318PCT / SYP357095 WOOl 29

[0338] Described embodiments may be implemented in any suitable form including hardware, software, firmware or any combination of these. Described embodiments may optionally be implemented at least partly as computer software running on one or more data processors and / or digital signal processors. The elements and components of any embodiment may be physically, functionally and logically implemented in any suitable way. Indeed, the functionality may be implemented in a single unit, in a plurality of units or as part of other functional units. As such, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in a single unit or may be physically and functionally distributed between different units, circuitry and / or processors. Although the present disclosure has been described in connection with some embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein. Additionally, although a feature may appear to be described in connection with particular embodiments, one skilled in the art would recognise that various features of the described embodiments may be combined in any manner suitable to implement the technique.

[0339] References

[0340] [1] Holma H. and Toskala A, “LTE for UMTS OFDMA and SC-FDMA based radio access”, John Wiley and Sons, 2009.

[0341] [2] TR 38.913, “3rdGeneration Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Radio Access Network; Study on Scenarios and Requirements for Next Generation Access Technologies (Release 14)”, 3GPP, vl4.3.0, August 2017.

[0342] [3] RP -213591, “New SI: Study on evolution of NR duplex operation,” CMCC, RAN#94e, December 2021.

[0343] [4] RP -220633, “Revised SID: Study on evolution of NR duplex operation,” CMCC, RAN#95e, March 2022.

[0344] [5] RP -234035, “New WID: Evolution of NR duplex operation: Subband full duplex (SBFD),” CMCC, RAN# 102, December 2023.

[0345] [6] RP -241614, “Revised WID: Evolution of NR duplex operation: Subband full duplex (SBFD),” Huawei, RAN# 104, June 2024.

[0346] [7] European Patent No. 3545716.

[0347] [8] TS38.213, “Physical layer procedures for control (Release 18),” vl8.4.0

[0348] [9] RP-243126, “5G-A duplex evolution in Rel-20,” CATT, RAN#106

[0349]

[0010] RP-242511, “Evolution of NR duplex operation - Phase 2,” NEC, RAN# 106

Claims

P131318PCT / SYP357095 WOOl 30CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A method of operating infrastructure equipment of a wireless communications network, the method comprisingtransmitting, to a communications device, at least one of a Sub-Band Full Duplex (SBFD) Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbol disable indicator and an SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator, whereinthe SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted into a set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols, wherein at least one end of the set of contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted is adjacent to another set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols, andthe SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted into a set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols, wherein at least one end of the set of contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted is adjacent to another set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted into the set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols were previously configured as a particular non-SBFD OFDM symbol format and the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator indicates that the set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted are to be converted back to the particular non-SBFD OFDM symbol format.

3. A method according to claim 2, wherein the particular non-SBFD OFDM symbol format is one selected from the list comprising: a downlink OFDM symbol format, an uplink OFDM symbol format and a flexible OFDM symbol format.

4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator indicates the set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted by indicating a time gap, wherein the first symbol after expiry the time gap is the first symbol of the one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted.

5. A method according to claim 1, wherein the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator identifies the set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted within a Time Division Duplex particular (TDD) pattern and indicates that the set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted are to be converted for one or more TDD pattern cycles, wherein each TDD pattern cycle comprises the particular TDD pattern and, optionally, one or more further TDD patterns.

6. A method according to claim 5, wherein the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator indicates that the set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted into non-SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted for only one TDD pattern cycle.

7. A method according to claim 5, wherein the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator indicates that the set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted into non-SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted for every TDD pattern cycle until further notice.

8. A method according to claim 7, comprisingP131318PCT / SYP357095 WOOl 31transmiting, to the communications device after one or more of the TDD patern cycles, an indication to stop converting the set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols identified in the TDD patern into non-SBFD OFDM symbols for subsequent TDD patern cycles.

9. A method according to claim 8, wherein the indication to stop converting the set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols identified in the TDD patern into non-SBFD OFDM symbols for subsequent TDD patern cycles is comprised in Downlink Control Information (DCI).

10. A method according to claim 1, wherein the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator is comprised in a Slot Format Indicator (SFI).

11. A method according to claim 1, wherein the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator is comprised in a Downlink Control Information (DCI).

12. A method according to claim 1, wherein the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator is comprised in an uplink grant or a downlink grant.

13. A method according to claim 1, comprisingtransmiting, to the communications device, an indication of a plurality of candidate sets of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols, whereinthe plurality of candidate sets are sets of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols which are permited to be converted to non-SBFD OFDM symbols, andthe set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted is one of the plurality of candidate sets.

14. A method according to claim 13, wherein the indication of the plurality of candidate sets of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols is comprised in a semi-static signal.

15. A method according to claim 14, wherein the semi-static signal is a Radio Resource Control (RRC) signal or a Medium Access Control Control Element (MAC CE) signal.

16. A method according to claim 13, wherein the number of plurality of candidate sets is two and the SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator comprises one or two bits for indicating which of the plurality of candidate sets is the set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted.

17. A method according to claim 1, wherein the set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted comprises one or more multiples of fourteen OFDM symbols.

18. A method according to claim 1, wherein the set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted comprises one or more multiples of seven OFDM symbols.

19. A method according to claim 1, wherein the SBFD OFDM symbol to be converted which is located at the at least one end has the same non-SBFD OFDM symbol format after the conversion as the non-SBFD OFDM symbol of the other set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols which is located at the at least one end.

20. A method according to claim 19, wherein the non-SBFD OFDM symbol format is one selected from the list comprising: an uplink OFDM symbol format, a downlink OFDM symbol format and a flexible OFDM symbol format.P131318PCT / SYP357095 WOOl 3221. A method according to claim 1, wherein the set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted have not previously been configured as SBFD OFDM symbols, and the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator identifies a particular SBFD symbol format into which the non-SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted.

22. A method according to claim 1, wherein the set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted into the set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols were previously configured as a particular SBFD OFDM symbol format and the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator indicates that the set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted are to be converted back to the particular SBFD OFDM symbol format.

23. A method according to claim 1, wherein the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator indicates the set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted by indicating a time gap, wherein the first symbol after expiry the time gap is the first symbol of the one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted.

24. A method according to claim 1, wherein the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator identifies the set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted within a Time Division Duplex particular (TDD) pattern and indicates that the set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted are to be converted for one or more TDD pattern cycles, wherein each TDD pattern cycle comprises the particular TDD pattern and, optionally, one or more further TDD patterns.

25. A method according to claim 24, wherein the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator indicates that the set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted into SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted for only one TDD pattern cycle.

26. A method according to claim 24, wherein the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator indicates that the set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted into SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted for every TDD pattern cycle until further notice.

27. A method according to claim 26, comprisingtransmitting, to the communications device after one or more of the TDD pattern cycles, an indication to stop converting the set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols identified in the TDD pattern into SBFD OFDM symbols for subsequent TDD pattern cycles.

28. A method according to claim 27, wherein the indication to stop converting the set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols identified in the TDD pattern into SBFD OFDM symbols for subsequent TDD pattern cycles is comprised in Downlink Control Information (DCI).

29. A method according to claim 1, wherein the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator is comprised in a Slot Format Indicator (SFI).

30. A method according to claim 1, wherein the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator is comprised in a Downlink Control Information (DCI).

31. A method according to claim 1, wherein the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator is comprised in an uplink grant or a downlink grant.

32. A method according to claim 1, comprisingP131318PCT / SYP357095 WOOl 33transmiting, to the communications device, an indication of a plurality of candidate sets of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols, whereinthe plurality of candidate sets are sets of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols which are permited to be converted to SBFD OFDM symbols, andthe set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted is one of the plurality of candidate sets.

33. A method according to claim 32, wherein the indication of the plurality of candidate sets of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols is comprised in a semi-static signal.

34. A method according to claim 33, wherein the semi-static signal is a Radio Resource Control (RRC) signal or a Medium Access Control Control Element (MAC CE) signal.

35. A method according to claim 32, wherein the number of plurality of candidate sets is two and the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator comprises one or two bits for indicating which of the plurality of candidate sets is the set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted.

36. A method according to claim 1, wherein the set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted comprises one or more multiples of fourteen OFDM symbols.

37. A method according to claim 1, wherein the set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted comprises one or more multiples of seven OFDM symbols.

38. A method according to claim 1, wherein the non-SBFD OFDM symbol to be converted which is located at the at least one end has the same SBFD OFDM symbol format after conversion as the SBFD OFDM symbol of the other set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols which is located at the at least one end.

39. A method of operating infrastructure equipment of a wireless communications network, the method comprisingtransmiting, to a communications device, at least one of a Sub-Band Full Duplex (SBFD) Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) subband enable indicator and an SBFD OFDM subband disable indicator, whereinthe SBFD subband enable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising an uplink subband are to be configured with additional uplink resources and / or indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising a downlink subband are to be configured with additional downlink resources, andthe SBFD subband disable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising an uplink subband are to be configured with fewer uplink resources and / or indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising a downlink subband are to be configured with fewer downlink resources.

40. A method according to claim 39, wherein the additional uplink resources are an additional uplink subband and / or the additional downlink resources are an additional downlink subband.

41. A method according to claim 39, wherein the additional uplink resources enlarge the uplink subband and / or the additional downlink resources enlarge the downlink subband.P131318PCT / SYP357095 WOOl 3442. A method according to nay of claims 39, wherein the indicating that the set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising an uplink subband are to be configured with fewer uplink resources comprisesindicating that uplink resources are to be removed from the uplink subband.

43. A method according to claim 39, wherein the indicating that the set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising a downlink subband are to be configured with fewer downlink resources comprisesindicating that downlink resources are to be removed from the downlink subband44. A method of a communications device, the method comprisingreceiving, from infrastructure equipment of a wireless communications network, at least one of a Sub-Band Full Duplex (SBFD) Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbol disable indicator and an SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator, whereinthe SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted into a set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols, wherein at least one end of the set of contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted is adjacent to another set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols, andthe SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted into a set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols, wherein at least one end of the set of contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted is adjacent to another set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols.

45. A method of operating a communications device, the method comprisingreceiving, from infrastructure equipment of a wireless communications network, at least one of a Sub-Band Full Duplex (SBFD) Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) subband enable indicator and an SBFD OFDM subband disable indicator, whereinthe SBFD subband enable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising an uplink subband are to be configured with additional uplink resources and / or indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising a downlink subband are configured with additional downlink resources, andthe SBFD subband disable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising an uplink subband are to be configured with fewer uplink resources and / or indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising a downlink subband are configured with fewer downlink resources.

46. A method of a communications device, the method comprisingreceiving, from infrastructure equipment of a wireless communications network, at least one of a Sub-Band Full Duplex (SBFD) Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbol disable indicator and an SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator, whereinthe SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted into a set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols, andthe SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted into a set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols, wherein the method comprises eitherdetermining that there will be more than two SBFD to / from non-SBFD transition points in a Time Division Duplex (TDD) pattern after the set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols are converted into a set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols, and in response,ignoring the SBFD OFDM disable symbol indicator, and / orP131318PCT / SYP357095 WOOl 35determining that there will be more than two SBFD to / from non-SBFD transition points in a TDD pattern after the set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols are converted into a set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols, and in response,ignoring the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator.

47. Infrastructure equipment for a wireless communications network, the infrastructure equipment comprisinga transmitter configured to transmit signals,a receiver configured to receive signals, anda controller configured in combination with the transmitter and the receiver totransmit, to a communications device, at least one of a Sub-Band Full Duplex (SBFD) Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbol disable indicator and an SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator, whereinthe SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted into a set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols, wherein at least one end of the set of contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted is adjacent to another set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols, andthe SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted into a set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols, wherein at least one end of the set of contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted is adjacent to another set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols.

48. Infrastructure equipment for a wireless communications network, the infrastructure equipment comprisinga transmitter configured to transmit signals,a receiver configured to receive signals, anda controller configured in combination with the transmitter and the receiver totransmit, to a communications device, at least one of a Sub-Band Full Duplex (SBFD) Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) subband enable indicator and an SBFD OFDM subband disable indicator, whereinthe SBFD subband enable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising an uplink subband are to be configured with additional uplink resources and / or indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising a downlink subband are to be configured with additional downlink resources, andthe SBFD subband disable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising an uplink subband are to be configured with fewer uplink resources and / or indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising a downlink subband are to be configured with fewer downlink resources.

49. A communications device comprisinga transmitter configured to transmit signals,a receiver configured to receive signals, anda controller configured in combination with the transmitter and the receiver toreceive, from infrastructure equipment of a wireless communications network, at least one of a Sub-Band Full Duplex (SBFD) Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbol disable indicator and an SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator, whereinthe SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted into a set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols, wherein at leastP131318PCT / SYP357095 WOOl 36one end of the set of contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted is adjacent to another set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols, andthe SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted into a set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols, wherein at least one end of the set of contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted is adjacent to another set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols.

50. A communications device comprisinga transmitter configured to transmit signals,a receiver configured to receive signals, anda controller configured in combination with the transmitter and the receiver toreceive, from infrastructure equipment of a wireless communications network, at least one of a Sub-Band Full Duplex (SBFD) Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) subband enable indicator and an SBFD OFDM subband disable indicator, whereinthe SBFD subband enable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising an uplink subband are to be configured with additional uplink resources and / or indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising a downlink subband are configured with additional downlink resources, andthe SBFD subband disable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising an uplink subband are to be configured with fewer uplink resources and / or indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising a downlink subband are configured with fewer downlink resources.

51. A communications device comprisinga transmitter configured to transmit signals,a receiver configured to receive signals, anda controller configured in combination with the transmitter and the receiver toreceive, from infrastructure equipment of a wireless communications network, at least one of a Sub-Band Full Duplex (SBFD) Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbol disable indicator and an SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator, whereinthe SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted into a set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols, andthe SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted into a set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols, wherein the controller is configured in combination with the transmitter and the receiver to eitherdetermine that there will be more than two SBFD to / from non-SBFD transition points in a Time Division Duplex (TDD) pattern after the set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols are converted into a set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols, and in response,ignore the SBFD OFDM disable symbol indicator, and / ordetermine that there will be more than two SBFD to / from non-SBFD transition points in a TDD pattern after the set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols are converted into a set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols, and in response,ignore the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator.

52. Circuitry for infrastructure equipment of a wireless communications network, the circuitry comprisingtransmitter circuitry configured to transmit signals,receiver circuitry configured to receive signals, andP131318PCT / SYP357095 WOOl 37controller circuitry configured in combination with the transmitter circuitry and the receiver circuitry totransmit, to a communications device, at least one of a Sub-Band Full Duplex (SBFD) Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbol disable indicator and an SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator, whereinthe SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted into a set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols, wherein at least one end of the set of contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted is adjacent to another set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols, andthe SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted into a set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols, wherein at least one end of the set of contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted is adjacent to another set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols.

53. Circuitry for infrastructure equipment of a wireless communications network, the circuitry comprisingtransmitter circuitry configured to transmit signals,receiver circuitry configured to receive signals, andcontroller circuitry configured in combination with the transmitter circuitry and the receiver circuitry totransmit, to a communications device, at least one of a Sub-Band Full Duplex (SBFD) Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) subband enable indicator and an SBFD OFDM subband disable indicator, whereinthe SBFD subband enable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising an uplink subband are to be configured with additional uplink resources and / or indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising a downlink subband are to be configured with additional downlink resources, andthe SBFD subband disable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising an uplink subband are to be configured with fewer uplink resources and / or indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising a downlink subband are to be configured with fewer downlink resources.

54. Circuitry for a communications device, the circuitry comprisingtransmitter circuitry configured to transmit signals,receiver circuitry configured to receive signals, andcontroller circuitry configured in combination with the transmitter circuitry and the receiver circuitry toreceive, from infrastructure equipment of a wireless communications network, at least one of a Sub-Band Full Duplex (SBFD) Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbol disable indicator and an SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator, whereinthe SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted into a set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols, wherein at least one end of the set of contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted is adjacent to another set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols, andthe SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted into a set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols, wherein at least one end of the set of contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols to be converted is adjacent to another set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols.P131318PCT / SYP357095 WOOl 3855. Circuitry for a communications device, the circuitry comprisingtransmitter circuitry configured to transmit signals,receiver circuitry configured to receive signals, andcontroller circuitry configured in combination with the transmitter circuitry and the receiver circuitry toreceive, from infrastructure equipment of a wireless communications network, at least one of a Sub-Band Full Duplex (SBFD) Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) subband enable indicator and an SBFD OFDM subband disable indicator, whereinthe SBFD subband enable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising an uplink subband are to be configured with additional uplink resources and / or indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising a downlink subband are configured with additional downlink resources, andthe SBFD subband disable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising an uplink subband are to be configured with fewer uplink resources and / or indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols comprising a downlink subband are configured with fewer downlink resources.

56. Circuitry for a communications device, the circuitry comprisingtransmitter circuitry configured to transmit signals,receiver circuitry configured to receive signals, andcontroller circuitry configured in combination with the transmitter circuitry and the receiver circuitry toreceive, from infrastructure equipment of a wireless communications network, at least one of a Sub-Band Full Duplex (SBFD) Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbol disable indicator and an SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator, whereinthe SBFD OFDM symbol disable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted into a set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols, andthe SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator indicates that a set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols are to be converted into a set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols, wherein the controller circuitry is configured in combination with the transmitter circuitry and the receiver circuitry to eitherdetermine that there will be more than two SBFD to / from non-SBFD transition points in a Time Division Duplex (TDD) pattern after the set of one or more contiguous SBFD OFDM symbols are converted into a set of one or more non-SBFD OFDM symbols, and in response,ignore the SBFD OFDM disable symbol indicator, and / ordetermine that there will be more than two SBFD to / from non-SBFD transition points in a TDD pattern after the set of one or more contiguous non-SBFD OFDM symbols are converted into a set of one or more SBFD OFDM symbols, and in response,ignore the SBFD OFDM symbol enable indicator.

57. A computer program which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of claim 1.

58. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program according to claim 57.

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