LTE/NR RB Utilization Calculation Across Misaligned Grids
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Solution Overview
Problem
The differing numbers of resource blocks (RBs) for LTE and NR in a given bandwidth cause ambiguity in calculating RB utilization during spectrum sharing, leading to inaccuracies in existing methods.
Innovation Solution
Determine the number of available RBs based on the RB grid and resource split for a given slot, considering the misalignment between LTE and NR RBs above the DC subcarrier, using various options for RB allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If spectrum sharing is implemented between LTE and NR, then spectrum utilization efficiency is improved, but RB grid misalignment causes ambiguity in calculating available RBs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency spectrum into distinct LTE and NR regions within the same bandwidth. By dividing the total RBs into LTE RBs and NR RBs based on the RB grid structure, the system can accurately calculate available RBs for each technology separately while maintaining overall spectrum sharing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different RB counting methods to different frequency regions. Below the DC subcarrier, LTE and NR RBs are aligned and counted together. Above the DC subcarrier, the patent accounts for the misalignment by adjusting the NR RB count, applying local quality treatment to resolve the measurement ambiguity in different spectrum regions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If NR RBs are counted above DC subcarrier, then NR resource allocation is improved, but LTE RB count becomes inaccurate due to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different counting approaches to different frequency regions. Above the DC subcarrier, where misalignment occurs, the patent adjusts the NR RB count to account for the shifted LTE RBs, thereby maintaining measurement precision for both technologies simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of trying to align LTE and NR RBs perfectly, the patent inverts the approach by explicitly calculating the misalignment offset and using it to adjust the NR RB count. This inversion of the alignment problem into a calculable offset resolves the measurement ambiguity.
3Productivity
If dynamic RB allocation is implemented, then spectrum sharing efficiency is improved, but calculation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculation of the misalignment offset based on the known RB grid structures and DC subcarrier position. By pre-calculating this offset, the system simplifies the dynamic RB allocation process during operation, reducing real-time calculation complexity while maintaining scheduling flexibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method performed by a network device processor to determine a number of available resource blocks, RBs, in a time slot of a spectrum of a given bandwidth includes determining (2201) whether or not the slot is assigned to LTE and NR. The method includes responsive (2601) to the slot being assigned to LTE and NR and starts from a low frequency with NR and ends at a high frequency with LTE, and the RB segment at a lowest spectrum part assigned to NR and the RB segment at a highest spectrum part assigned to LTE: responsive (2603) to a number m of LTE segments crossing or above a DC subcarrier, determining that the number of available RBs in the slot is A+p-(m-1), or B-p-(m-1), where A and B are LTE and NR cell channel bandwidth, respectively, and p is the number based on a cell channel bandwidth.