NR-Light Initial Access via CORESET 0 and SIB1 Reception

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Solution Overview

Problem

In future radio communication systems, devices with reduced capabilities (NR-Light devices) face challenges in performing initial access due to narrower bandwidths and reduced complexity, leading to potential degradation in system performance such as reduced throughput.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves configuring CORESET 0 for NR-Light devices by sharing or separately defining bandwidths, introducing new signals, and adjusting time/frequency positions based on existing tables and MIB information to ensure appropriate initial access, while supporting coexistence with Rel. 15 and Rel. 16 UEs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If bandwidth is reduced for NR-Light devices, then device complexity is reduced, but initial access performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidinitial access performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the initial access procedure into distinct phases: synchronization signal detection, MIB decoding, and SIB1 reception. Each phase is optimized for narrowband operation, allowing NR-Light devices to perform initial access with reduced bandwidth while maintaining reliability through structured, step-by-step access procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key parameters for NR-Light devices including bandwidth configuration, subcarrier spacing, and resource allocation. By adjusting these parameters specifically for narrowband operation, the system enables reduced complexity devices to perform initial access effectively without compromising system performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If bandwidth is reduced for NR-Light devices, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but system throughput deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidsystem throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal initial access framework that serves both narrowband NR-Light devices and wideband Rel-15/16 devices. The same base station infrastructure and signaling mechanisms handle both device types, enabling cost-effective deployment of reduced-complexity devices without sacrificing overall system throughput through efficient resource sharing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic resource allocation and bandwidth adaptation mechanisms that allow the system to flexibly adjust to mixed device environments. Bandwidth utilization is dynamically optimized based on the presence and requirements of different device types, maintaining high system throughput while supporting low-cost narrowband devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If CORESET 0 configuration is separately defined for NR-Light devices, then initial access reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinitial access reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables NR-Light devices to self-configure CORESET 0 parameters based on pre-defined rules and specifications. Devices autonomously determine their bandwidth configuration, subcarrier spacing, and resource allocation without requiring complex network-side configuration procedures, thereby improving initial access reliability while keeping device complexity low through self-service configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4132129B1Terminal, radio communication method, and base station
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 NTT DOCOMO INC
  • EP4132129B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4132129B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4132129B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A terminal according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a receiving section that receives a signal different from a Type0-physical downlink control channel (PDCCH); and a control section that determines reception of at least one of the TypeO-PDCCH and a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) carrying a system information block 1, based on the signal. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, initial access can be appropriately performed.