5G NR Virtual Carrier Configuration for Discrete Spectrum Use

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Solution Overview

Problem

Efficient utilization of noncontiguous and non-standard bandwidth spectrums in 5G new radio (NR) networks to improve throughput in network devices and terminals is challenging due to the non-standard nature of these spectrums.

Innovation Solution

Configuring multiple virtual carriers with a same parameter set within a cell, allowing for efficient aggregation and utilization of discrete and non-standard bandwidth spectrums, thereby improving throughput by enhancing scheduling flexibility and reducing terminal complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple virtual carriers with same parameter set are configured in one cell, then throughput is improved by efficient utilization of discrete and non-standard bandwidth spectrums, but device complexity increases due to multiple carrier configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovethroughputVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the available spectrum into multiple virtual carriers, each with standardized bandwidth parameters. This allows the system to utilize discrete and non-standard bandwidth spectrums efficiently by dividing them into manageable virtual carrier units, thereby improving throughput while maintaining standardized processing for each segment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates multiple virtual carriers with the same parameter set that can serve different functions within one cell. These virtual carriers can be dynamically allocated for different services, users, or traffic types, providing universal functionality across diverse communication needs while maintaining consistent standardized parameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple virtual carriers with same parameter set are configured in one cell, then scheduling flexibility is improved, but terminal complexity increases due to processing multiple carriers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescheduling flexibilityVSAvoidterminal complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments carrier resources into multiple virtual carriers with standardized parameters, enabling the network to schedule and allocate resources flexibly across different virtual carriers based on traffic demands, user requirements, and channel conditions while keeping each virtual carrier's processing standardized

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables dynamic scheduling and allocation of terminal devices across multiple virtual carriers with the same parameter set. The network can dynamically adjust which virtual carrier a terminal uses based on real-time conditions, providing adaptability and flexibility while the standardized parameters reduce the complexity of dynamic adaptation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3796728B1Resource configuration method, network device, and terminal
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3796728B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3796728B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3796728B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

This application provides a resource configuration method. A plurality of virtual carriers with a same parameter set are configured in one cell or one carrier, so that a discrete spectrum and/or a non-standard bandwidth spectrum can be efficiently used. The method includes: determining, by a network device, N downlink virtual carriers or determining N downlink virtual carriers and M uplink virtual carriers, where the N downlink virtual carriers are configured in a same cell, or the N downlink virtual carriers and the M uplink virtual carriers are configured in a same cell, and the cell includes at least one carrier, and the N downlink virtual carriers correspond to a same parameter set, or the N downlink virtual carriers correspond to a same parameter set, and the M uplink virtual carriers correspond to a same parameter set, N>1, and N≥M≥1; and sending, by the network device, configuration information to a terminal, where the configuration information is used to configure the N downlink virtual carriers or used to configure the N downlink virtual carriers and the M uplink virtual carriers.