Flexible Guard Band Allocation for Inter-Numerology Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multicarrier telecommunication systems, the coexistence of different subcarrier spacing configurations leads to performance degradation due to inter-numerology interference, which is exacerbated by the need for guard bands to prevent interference, resulting in resource wastage and reduced spectral efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method for allocating resources in a telecommunication system that allows for flexible guard band sizing by selectively allocating subcarriers, where the first subcarriers of a resource block are not allocated to terminals, enabling the size of the guard band to be set with a granularity of N*Δf0, thereby reducing inter-numerology interference while minimizing resource wastage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If guard bands are inserted between resource blocks of different numerologies to limit inter-numerology interference, then interference is reduced, but spectral efficiency deteriorates due to resource wastage
Solution Approach 1:
The resource block structure is segmented into two parts: allocated subcarriers and unallocated subcarriers (guard band). By segmenting the resource block allocation, the patent enables flexible positioning of guard bands within resource blocks, allowing precise control over interference regions while minimizing the impact on overall spectral efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the frequency spectrum are assigned different qualities/functions. Specifically, certain subcarriers within resource blocks are designated as guard bands (unallocated) while others are allocated for data transmission. This local differentiation allows interference protection exactly where needed without unnecessarily sacrificing spectral efficiency across the entire bandwidth.
2Loss of energy
If resource blocks are allocated contiguously to maximize resource utilization, then spectral efficiency improves, but inter-numerology interference worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments resource block allocation by introducing flexible guard band positions within resource blocks. This segmentation allows contiguous allocation of resource blocks for spectral efficiency while embedding guard bands at specific locations to prevent inter-numerology interference, thus resolving the contradiction between contiguous allocation and interference avoidance.
Solution Approach 2:
Guard bands act as intermediary elements between resource blocks of different numerologies. By positioning these unallocated subcarriers as intermediaries, the patent enables contiguous resource block allocation while preventing direct interference between different numerologies, thus maintaining both spectral efficiency and interference protection.
3Reliability
If guard band size is increased to ensure adequate protection, then interference reduction improves, but resource wastage worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The guard band configuration is made dynamic and flexible rather than fixed. The patent allows guard bands to be positioned at different locations within resource blocks and adjusted in size based on specific interference conditions and numerology requirements. This dynamic approach ensures adequate interference protection while minimizing resource wastage by adapting guard band size to actual needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of guard band allocation by allowing flexible positioning and sizing within resource blocks. Instead of fixed guard band sizes, the system adjusts guard band parameters (position and width) based on the specific numerology configuration and interference conditions, optimizing the balance between protection and resource utilization.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 2C
AI summary
The invention relates to allocating resources in a carrier when several subcarrier spacing configurations coexists, and more particularly to avoid or at least reduce the loss of resources when introducing guard bands to avoid inter-numerology interferences. The invention proposes to start the allocation of resource blocks to a terminal on a different subcarrier than the first subcarrier. Therefore the invention proposes a method to allocate such resource blocks to a terminal.