Phase-Adaptive OFDM Downlink for Reduced-Capability UEs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Future wireless communications networks face challenges in efficiently supporting reduced capability NR communications devices with varying data traffic profiles and bandwidth requirements during initial access and connected phases without increasing UE complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method for receiving data at a communications device, where the initial access phase utilizes a greater number of sub-carriers per OFDM symbol and fewer symbols per time slot, while the connected phase uses fewer sub-carriers per symbol and potentially more symbols per time slot, with processing rates adjusted to match the maximum rate of both phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If reduced capability NR communications devices are supported with varying bandwidth requirements during initial access and connected phases, then device versatility and network coverage are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the UE to dynamically adjust its operational bandwidth between initial access phase and connected phase. During initial access, the UE operates with a first bandwidth (e.g., 20 MHz), and during connected phase, it transitions to a second bandwidth (e.g., 10 MHz). This dynamic bandwidth adjustment allows the same UE hardware to adapt to different network requirements without requiring multiple dedicated hardware configurations, thus improving versatility while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the bandwidth parameter between different operational phases. The network signals the UE about the appropriate bandwidth for each phase, and the UE adjusts its receiving parameters accordingly. This parameter-based adaptation allows the UE to handle different data traffic profiles and bandwidth requirements by changing operational parameters rather than requiring complex hardware reconfiguration.
2Productivity
If more sub-carriers are available per OFDM symbol during initial access phase, then data reception capability is improved, but processing rate requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by structuring the communication in distinct periodic phases: an initial access phase with higher bandwidth (more sub-carriers per OFDM symbol) followed by a connected phase with lower bandwidth. The UE processes data according to the current phase's requirements, using higher processing capacity during initial access when needed and reducing processing rate during connected phase. This periodic variation in processing requirements allows the UE to handle different data traffic profiles efficiently.
3Device complexity
If fewer OFDM symbols are used per time slot during connected phase, then processing complexity is reduced, but data transmission efficiency may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes to optimize the balance between processing complexity and data transmission efficiency. During the connected phase, the network adjusts parameters such as the number of OFDM symbols per time slot and the bandwidth to match the UE's processing capabilities and data traffic profile. This allows the system to operate at lower processing complexity levels while maintaining acceptable data transmission efficiency through adaptive parameter selection.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of receiving data at a communications device from a wireless communications network is provided. The method comprises receiving, by a receiver of the communications device, downlink data during an initial access phase of a communications session of the communications device from a wireless access interface provided by the wireless communications network, and receiving, by the receiver of the communications device, other downlink data during a connected phase of the communications session the communications device transmitted to the communications device via the wireless access interface, the wireless access interface providing communications resources comprising a predetermined number of OFDM symbols in each of a plurality of time slots, the OFDM symbols in the initial access phase having a greater number of sub-carriers available to carry the downlink data within greater frequency domain physical resources than the OFDM symbols in the connected phase.