Subband Duplex Mode Switching for 5G NR Resource Utilization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G NR communication systems face challenges in utilizing subband full duplex (SBFD) mode effectively due to self-interference and signal clutter, limiting the utilization of network-side FD, especially at the user equipment (UE) side.
Innovation Solution
The system enables switching between subband full duplex (SBFD) and half duplex (HD) modes based on indications of time and frequency locations, allowing the UE to operate in either mode dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If half-duplex user equipment is used, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but resource utilization and system capacity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the frequency spectrum into multiple subbands, allowing different portions of the spectrum to be used for different duplex modes simultaneously. This enables half-duplex UE to operate in SBFD mode in certain subbands while maintaining HD mode in others, thereby improving resource utilization without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between half-duplex and subband full-duplex modes based on network conditions, traffic requirements, and UE capabilities. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize resource utilization while maintaining ease of operation through automated mode selection.
2Productivity
If subband full duplex operation is implemented, then resource utilization and system capacity are improved, but self-interference and signal clutter increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different quality characteristics to different subbands by enabling SBFD operation in specific subbands where interference can be managed, while maintaining HD mode in other subbands. This localized application of full-duplex operation allows the system to improve resource utilization in favorable conditions while avoiding self-interference problems in unfavorable conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The network node acts as an intermediary that coordinates between SBFD and HD operations, managing the switching between modes and allocating resources to minimize self-interference. The network node receives indications from UE about their SBFD capability and makes informed decisions about when and where to enable SBFD operation.
3Device complexity
If fixed duplex mode operation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different network conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the UE to support multiple duplex modes (both half-duplex and subband full-duplex) with a unified architecture. The UE includes an indication component that can report SBFD capability to the network, and a switching component that can transition between modes. This multi-functional design provides adaptability to different network conditions while keeping device complexity manageable through standardized protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses and methods for switching between SBFD and HD modes for different periodicities are described. An apparatus is configured to operate in a SBFD mode associated with a SBFD operation or a HD mode. SBFD operations are associated with SB sets and the HD mode is associated with time/frequency resource sets. The apparatus is configured to obtain first indications of a time/frequency location for each SB, or second indications of the time/frequency resources, and switch to operate in another of the SBFD or the HD mode based on the first or second indications. Another apparatus is configured to configure time/frequency locations for SBs of SBFD operations associated with SBFD modes and time/frequency resources of a HD mode, and transmit, for a UE, first indications of the time/frequency locations, or second indications of the time/frequency resources.