5G Network Architecture for Dense Multi-Numerology Deployments

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Solution Overview

Problem

The 5G wireless communication system faces challenges in handling massive growth in connected devices, traffic volume, and varying application requirements, particularly indoors, necessitating new frequency bands and denser deployments.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of flexible numerologies, beam forming, and dual or single RRC protocol layers in wireless devices and network equipment to support higher frequency bands, lower latency, and dense deployments, enabling efficient use of new spectrum and supporting diverse applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If new frequency bands above 6 GHz are deployed, then higher data rates and capacity are achieved, but coverage area and penetration capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata rateVSAvoidcoverage area

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the frequency spectrum into different bands (below 6 GHz and above 6 GHz) and assigns different functions to each. Lower frequency bands provide broad coverage and penetration, while higher frequency bands provide high data rates in localized areas. This segmentation allows the system to optimize for different requirements in different spatial domains.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces beamforming technology that operates in the spatial dimension to compensate for the reduced coverage of high-frequency bands. By directing energy along specific beams rather than omnidirectionally, the system achieves effective coverage in targeted areas while maintaining the high data rate benefits of higher frequency bands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If frequency bands above 6 GHz are used, then spectral efficiency is improved, but propagation characteristics and indoor penetration worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral efficiencyVSAvoidindoor penetration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by tailoring the frequency band selection and beamforming parameters to specific local conditions. Indoor deployments use higher frequency bands with optimized beamforming for penetration, while outdoor deployments utilize the full spectrum including higher bands for capacity. The system adapts its characteristics to local requirements rather than using a uniform approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple numerologies are supported, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but device complexity and protocol processing worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidprotocol processing

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by designing a single RRC protocol layer that can handle multiple numerologies (different subcarrier spacings, frame structures) through a unified processing approach. The common RRC layer abstracts the differences between numerologies, allowing the same protocol layer to serve multiple purposes without requiring separate processing paths for each numerology type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If dual connectivity with LTE and 5G is implemented, then service continuity and reliability are improved, but device complexity and protocol layers worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice continuityVSAvoidprotocol layers

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the protocol processing of LTE and 5G connections within a unified RRC layer structure. Instead of maintaining completely separate protocol stacks, the system combines common processing functions in the RRC layer while maintaining separate MAC layers for each access technology. This merging reduces overall complexity while preserving the ability to manage multiple connections simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12418355B2Network architecture, methods, and devices for a wireless communications network

Publication Date: 2025.09.16 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

Methods and apparatus in a fifth-generation wireless communications, including an example method, in a wireless device, that includes receiving a downlink signal comprising an uplink access configuration index, using the uplink access configuration index to identify an uplink access configuration from among a predetermined plurality of uplink access configurations, and transmitting to the wireless communications network according to the identified uplink access configuration. The example method further includes, in the same wireless device, receiving, in a first subframe, a first Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM) transmission formatted according to a first numerology and receiving, in a second subframe, a second OFDM transmission formatted according to a second numerology, the second numerology differing from the first numerology. Variants of this method, corresponding apparatuses, and corresponding network-side methods and apparatuses are also disclosed.