Narrowband Bandwidth Configuration for Flexible 5G Resource Blocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G wireless communication systems face challenges with insufficient resource blocks in narrowband scenarios, leading to performance issues and limited configurations, particularly in scenarios with bandwidths less than 5 MHz, affecting signal transmission and CSI reporting.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining a first bandwidth for downlink and uplink data transmission that is less than or equal to the default bandwidth, configuring it based on actual BWP, SS/PBCH block, or CORESET 0 bandwidth, and using signaling protocols like MIB and RRC to define this bandwidth, allowing flexible configurations without modifying initial BWP or CORESET 0.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the available bandwidth is reduced to support narrowband scenarios, then energy consumption and device cost are reduced, but spectral efficiency and capacity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bandwidth part (BWP) configuration where the network can switch between different bandwidth configurations (narrowband and wideband) based on service requirements. The BWP can be dynamically activated or deactivated to adapt to varying data traffic conditions, allowing the system to optimize between energy consumption and spectral efficiency in real-time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the bandwidth parameter by introducing configurable BWP sizes that can be adjusted according to service types. Different BWP configurations (e.g., 3.6MHz for narrowband, larger bandwidths for wideband) allow the system to modify the bandwidth parameter to match specific application needs, thereby resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and spectral efficiency
2Adaptability or versatility
If the bandwidth is reduced to less than 24 resource blocks for narrowband support, then adaptability to low-bandwidth scenarios is improved, but the number of available PRACH occasions and CSI reporting configurations are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the total bandwidth into multiple bandwidth parts (BWPs), where each BWP can be independently configured and activated. This segmentation allows the system to allocate specific resource blocks to different BWPs, ensuring that even in narrowband scenarios, sufficient resources are available for critical functions like PRACH and CSI reporting within the activated BWP
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary configuration of multiple BWP options with pre-defined resource allocations. The network pre-configures different BWP parameters including resource block allocations, subcarrier spacings, and cyclic prefix lengths, so that when narrowband scenarios arise, the appropriate pre-configured BWP can be quickly activated without reducing the availability of PRACH occasions or CSI reporting configurations within that BWP
3Device complexity
If the initial BWP or CORESET 0 configurations are kept fixed, then device complexity and configuration complexity are reduced, but flexibility in resource allocation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic BWP configuration where the network can switch between different bandwidth configurations (narrowband and wideband) based on service requirements. The BWP can be dynamically activated or deactivated to adapt to varying data traffic conditions, allowing the system to optimize between energy consumption and spectral efficiency in real-time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal initial BWP configuration that can serve multiple purposes and different service types. The initial BWP is designed to be compatible with both narrowband and wideband scenarios, and the network can configure additional BWPs that inherit from or extend the initial configuration, reducing overall configuration complexity while maintaining flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
Wireless communications techniques are disclosed, specifically for narrowband communication. One example method includes determining, by a network device, a first bandwidth for narrowband communication, wherein the first bandwidth is less than or equal to a default bandwidth. For example, the default bandwidth may be 5 MHz while narrowband communications operate over a smaller bandwidth, such as 3 or 3.6 MHz. The method further includes transmitting, to a wireless device, information indicative of the first bandwidth. In some implementations, determining the first bandwidth includes determining a starting location and a number of set of consecutive resource blocks, where the set of consecutive resource blocks are included in a control resource set for Type0 Physical Downlink Control Channel Common Search Space (CORESET 0) bandwidth or a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) bandwidth.