REDCAP Downlink Resource Block Extension Into Guard Bands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reduced capability (REDCAP) devices face limitations in downlink coverage due to the pre-defined maximum of 24 resource blocks, leading to inefficiencies in bandwidth utilization, particularly in 5 MHz bandwidth with 15 kHz SCS, which can result in wasted resources and reduced connectivity.
Innovation Solution
The method extends the number of downlink resource blocks beyond the pre-defined maximum by utilizing guard bands or without, allowing for up to 25 or 26 resource blocks, enhancing downlink coverage for REDCAP user equipment by extending into guard bands or repeating data in additional resource blocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of downlink resource blocks is limited to the pre-defined maximum of 24, then device complexity is reduced, but downlink coverage is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of resource block quantity from the fixed pre-defined maximum of 24 to an extended value of 25 or 26 by utilizing guard bands. This parameter change enables improved downlink coverage for REDCAP devices while maintaining compatibility with existing network configurations, as the extension uses previously unused frequency resources rather than fundamentally altering the resource allocation mechanism.
2Productivity
If the number of resource blocks is increased beyond 24, then bandwidth utilization is improved, but resource wastage in guard bands increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the previously harmful or wasted guard band resources into beneficial additional resource blocks for data transmission. By extending the resource block allocation into the guard band region, the patent transforms unused frequency spectrum into productive communication resources, thereby improving bandwidth utilization and reducing resource wastage simultaneously.
3Reliability
If resource blocks are extended into guard bands, then downlink coverage is enhanced, but signal interference may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively extending resource blocks into specific guard band regions while maintaining different transmission characteristics in different frequency domains. The network node can configure extended resource blocks with appropriate power levels, modulation schemes, or repetition patterns tailored to the specific characteristics of the guard band region, thereby enhancing coverage while managing interference through localized optimization rather than uniform treatment across all frequencies.
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments of the invention provide at least a method and apparatus to perform receiving, by a terminal device and from a network node of a radio access network, control information for a physical downlink shared channel message or transmission, wherein the control information indicates if a number of resource blocks scheduled by the network node for the PDSCH message or transmission is extendable in frequency domain; and receiving the physical downlink shared channel message or transmission based on the control information; and determining, by a network node, control information for a physical downlink shared channel message or transmission to a terminal device, wherein the control information indicates if a number of resource blocks scheduled by the network node for the PDSCH message or transmission is extendable in a frequency domain; and sending the physical downlink shared channel message or transmission to the terminal device based on the control information.