NR Communication Method Using Different Numerologies for 5G

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 3GPP LTE technologies face challenges in efficiently supporting next-generation wireless communication requirements, such as enhanced mobile broadband, massive machine-type communications, and ultra-reliable and low-latency communications, due to limitations in resource allocation and numerology flexibility.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves a wireless communication method and device that utilize different numerologies for downlink and uplink resources, defined by subcarrier spacing and cyclic prefix length, with a gap period between DL and UL subframes, and the ability to configure various resource unit sizes and patterns to optimize latency and reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single numerology is used for both downlink and uplink resources in LTE, then the system structure remains simple and compatible with existing LTE infrastructure, but the system cannot efficiently support diverse next-generation communication requirements such as enhanced mobile broadband, massive machine-type communications, and ultra-reliable low-latency communications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport for diverse communication scenariosVSAvoidresource allocation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the resource allocation system by introducing multiple numerologies (different subcarrier spacings and cyclic prefix lengths) for different communication scenarios. Downlink and uplink resources are divided into separate configurable units, allowing independent optimization for eMBB, mMTC, and URLLC services without requiring complete system redesign

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic numerology configuration where the network can flexibly select and switch between different numerology sets for downlink and uplink based on service requirements. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to optimize resource allocation for varying communication demands while maintaining a unified LTE framework

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of time

If traditional LTE resource allocation is used without numerology differentiation, then implementation remains straightforward and compatible with existing infrastructure, but latency cannot be sufficiently reduced for ultra-reliable low-latency communication requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication latencyVSAvoidresource configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes key resource allocation parameters by introducing multiple numerology configurations with different subcarrier spacings (e.g., 15kHz, 30kHz, 60kHz) and cyclic prefix lengths. This parameter differentiation allows the system to reduce symbol duration and transmission time for latency-sensitive URLLC services while maintaining standard configurations for other services, achieving latency reduction without complete system overhaul

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If different numerologies are configured for downlink and uplink resources, then resource utilization efficiency improves and latency is reduced, but the system requires more complex resource management and coordination between DL and UL subframes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidresource management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple numerology sets and their corresponding resource patterns before actual communication occurs. The network establishes numerology configurations, slot structures, and resource allocations in advance through RRC signaling, enabling efficient resource utilization during data transmission without real-time decision complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a unified resource framework that acts as an intermediary between diverse numerology requirements and the underlying LTE physical layer. This framework provides standardized resource block definitions, slot structures, and timing relationships that simplify the coordination between different numerologies while maintaining compatibility with existing LTE infrastructure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If uniform cyclic prefix length is used across all resources, then the system structure remains simple and orthogonal symbol alignment is straightforward, but the system cannot optimize performance for different numerologies and communication scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveorthogonal symbol alignmentVSAvoidCP length configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by configuring different cyclic prefix lengths for different numerologies and resource types based on local requirements. Extended cyclic prefixes can be used for numerologies with larger delay spreads or specific service requirements, while normal cyclic prefixes are used where standard conditions apply, optimizing orthogonality and reliability for each local context without uniform complexity across the entire system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11804942B2Communication method using NR for 5G
Publication Date: 2023.10.31 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • US11804942B2 patent drawing
  • US11804942B2 patent drawing
  • US11804942B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The disclosure of the present invention proposes a wireless communication method. The method may comprise: performing a downlink (DL) reception on a DL resource; and performing an uplink (UL) transmission on a UL resource. The UL resource and the DL resource may use different numerologies each other. The numerologies may be defined by a subcarrier spacing and a cyclic prefix (CP) length.