Nested 5G Cell Structure for RedCap Bandwidth Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 5G cell configurations limit the support for terminal devices with limited bandwidth, such as RedCap devices, by optimizing for larger bandwidths, leading to inefficient utilization of resources and load imbalances.

Innovation Solution

Implement a nested cell structure within a 5G cell, comprising a main cell and one or more nested cells, all sharing the same frequency bandwidth and coverage area, with dynamic configuration and shared resources, allowing flexible scheduling and resource allocation based on device capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a 5G cell is optimized for larger bandwidths to achieve higher data rates, then the data rate and quality of service are improved, but the support for terminal devices with limited bandwidth (such as RedCap devices) deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata rateVSAvoidsupport for diverse terminal devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cell is segmented into a main cell and one or more nested cells, each with different bandwidth configurations. The main cell operates with a larger bandwidth for high data rates, while nested cells operate with smaller bandwidths to support bandwidth-constrained terminal devices. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously serve both high-performance and bandwidth-limited devices within the same geographical area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Nested cells are defined within the frequency bandwidth of the main cell, creating a hierarchical cell structure. The nested cells share the same geographical coverage area as the main cell but operate with reduced bandwidth configurations. This nesting approach enables bandwidth-constrained devices to access the network while larger bandwidth devices can utilize the full capacity of the main cell.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate cells are created for different bandwidth requirements, then support for diverse devices is improved, but the device complexity and resource allocation overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for diverse terminal devicesVSAvoidcell configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The nested cell structure enables a single physical cell to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The main cell provides high-bandwidth service while nested cells provide low-bandwidth service, all managed through a unified cell configuration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate physical cells for different device types, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability to diverse terminal devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12507250B2Nested cell structure

Publication Date: 2025.12.23 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY

AI summary

Apparatuses and methods in a communication system are disclosed. A cell defining Synchronization Signal Block is transmitted (400) on a first frequency location inside a given frequency bandwidth and a second Synchronization Signal Block (402) on a second frequency location inside a second bandwidth inside the given frequency bandwidth. A main cell is provided (404) on the given frequency bandwidth by utilising the cell defining Synchronization Signal Block; at least one second cell is provided (406) on the second bandwidth within the given frequency bandwidth by utilising the second Synchronization Signal Block, the main and the at least one second cell serving the same geographical area.