5G NR Channel Configuration for Irregular Bandwidth Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
The 5G New Radio (NR) radio access technology supports standard channel bandwidths, but regulators and network operators often allocate RF spectrum in irregular sizes that do not align with these standards, leading to challenges in channel configuration and interference.
Innovation Solution
User equipment (UE) indicates its filtering capability to the network, which configures channels to either the next higher or lower standard channel size to accommodate irregular bandwidths, ensuring effective filtering and minimizing interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the network allocates RF spectrum in irregular sizes, then spectrum utilization flexibility is improved, but channel configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the channel bandwidth parameter to accommodate irregular spectrum allocations. When a UE indicates it cannot filter irregular bandwidths, the network configures the channel bandwidth to the next higher standard size, allowing the UE to handle irregular allocations through parameter adjustment rather than complex filtering operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the channel configuration process into standard bandwidth parts. By configuring UEs with standard channel bandwidths (5MHz, 10MHz, 15MHz, etc.) and using blocking signals to indicate unavailable portions, the system divides irregular spectrum allocations into manageable standard segments that UEs can process independently.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the network configures channel bandwidth greater than allocation bandwidth, then UE compatibility is improved, but interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking signal acts as an intermediary mechanism between the network and UE. It conveys information about unavailable spectrum portions to UEs, enabling them to adjust their reception parameters and avoid interfering with or being interfered by adjacent channels, thus resolving the compatibility-interference contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The network performs preliminary configuration by setting the channel bandwidth to the next higher standard size before actual communication begins. This preliminary action ensures UE compatibility with irregular allocations while the blocking signal is subsequently applied to prevent interference, as the UE is already configured to handle the broader bandwidth range.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the network configures channel bandwidth less than allocation bandwidth, then interference is reduced, but spectrum utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by configuring UEs with standard bandwidths that may be larger than the actual allocated bandwidth. This excessive action (using larger standard bandwidths) ensures compatibility and simplifies UE processing, while the blocking signal mechanism ensures that only the necessary portion of the bandwidth is actively used, maintaining efficiency.
4Adaptability or versatility
If UEs implement filtering capability for irregular bandwidths, then spectrum utilization flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables UEs to self-configure based on their filtering capabilities. When a UE indicates it cannot filter irregular bandwidths, the network automatically adjusts the channel bandwidth configuration accordingly. This self-service approach allows spectrum flexibility without requiring all UEs to implement complex filtering capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
User equipment that is capable of filtering for an irregular bandwidth of an allocated channel may send an indication of this capability to a network, which may then configure the channel to a next higher standard channel size, enabling the user equipment to filter this larger channel bandwidth to the irregular bandwidth. User equipment that is not capable of filtering for the irregular bandwidth may send an indication that it does not have this capability to the network, which may then configure the channel to a next lower standard channel size, thus avoiding the need for the user equipment to filter a larger channel bandwidth to the irregular bandwidth. In cases where the network detects that a blocking signal is not present that may interfere with the allocated channel, the network may configure the channel to the next higher standard channel size.