WO2019193241A1

WO2019193241A1 - Use of band combination index for definition of carrier aggregation configurations

Info

Publication number: WO2019193241A1
Application number: PCT/FI2019/050183
Authority: WO
Inventors: Man Hung Ng; Tero Henttonen; Petri Vasenkari
Original assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
Priority date: 2018-04-03
Filing date: 2019-03-08
Publication date: 2019-10-10

Abstract

Certain embodiments may relate to communication systems, and, for example, some embodiments may relate to carrier aggregation band combinations. According to a first embodiment, a method may include receiving (501), by a first network entity (520), one or more index values from a second network entity (510). The method may further include mapping (503), by the first network entity (520), the one or more index values to one or more carrier aggregation band combinations. The method may further include transmitting and/or receiving (505), by the first network entity (520), communications with the second network entity (510) using the one or more carrier aggregation band combinations.

Description

TITLE:

USE OF BAND COMBINATION INDEX FOR DEFINITION OF CARRIER AGGREGATION CONFIGURATIONS

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION:

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/651,993, filed April 3, 2018. The entire content of the above -referenced application is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND:

Field:

Certain embodiments may relate to communication systems involving various configurations of carrier aggregation. In particular, index values may be used to uniquely identify bandwidth combinations for use by user equipment and network entities, such as serving base stations. User equipment and network entities may then communicate with each other using these bandwidth combinations.

Description of the Related Art:

In a communication system, such as a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) network, 5th generation (5G) mobile network, or any other next-generation network system, carrier aggregation may be used by mobile network operators to combine the signaling of separate carriers, such as LTE, new radio (NR), 5G, or other next generation carrier aggregation. Carrier aggregation (CA) bandwidth combinations (BC) provide a list of bandwidth combinations where carrier aggregation is supported by particular user equipment. In such a communication system, base stations, such as an evolved Node B (eNB), next generation Node B (gNB), or other network entity, may be responsible for communicating with user equipment, and may use one or more uplink and/or downlink bandwidth ranges associated with the CA BC to communicate with user equipment.

SUMMARY:

In accordance with some embodiments, a method may include receiving, by a first network entity, one or more index values from a second network entity. The method may further include mapping, by the first network entity, the one or more index values to one or more carrier aggregation band combinations. The method may further include transmitting to and/or receiving from the second network entity communications using the one or more carrier aggregation band combinations.

In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus may include means for receiving one or more index values from a network entity. The apparatus may further include means for mapping the one or more index values to one or more carrier aggregation band combinations. The apparatus may further include means for transmitting to and/or receiving from the network entity communications using the one or more carrier aggregation band combinations.

In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code can be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least receive one or more index values from a network entity. The at least one memory and the computer program code can be further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least map the one or more index values to one or more carrier aggregation band combinations. The at least one memory and the computer program code can be further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least transmit to and/or receive from the network entity communications using the one or more carrier aggregation band combinations.

In accordance with some embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium can be encoded with instmctions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may receive one or more index values from a network entity. The method may further map the one or more index values to one or more carrier aggregation band combinations. The method may further transmit to and/or receive from the network entity communications using the one or more carrier aggregation band combinations.

In accordance with some embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may receive one or more index values from a network entity. The method may further map the one or more index values to one or more carrier aggregation band combinations. The method may further transmit to and/or receive from the network entity communications using the one or more carrier aggregation band combinations.

In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus may include circuitry configured to receive one or more index values from a network entity. The circuitry may further map the one or more index values to one or more carrier aggregation band combinations. The circuitry may further transmit to and/or receive from the network entity communications using the one or more carrier aggregation band combinations.

In accordance with some embodiments, a method may include transmitting, by a first network entity, one or more carrier aggregation band combination index values to a second network entity. The method may further include transmitting to and/or receiving from the second network entity communications based upon the one or more carrier aggregation band combinations.

In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus may include means for transmitting one or more carrier aggregation band combination index values to a network entity. The apparatus may further include means for transmitting to and/or receiving from the network entity communications based upon the one or more carrier aggregation band combinations.

In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code can be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least transmit one or more carrier aggregation band combination index values to a network entity. The at least one memory and the computer program code can be further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least transmit to and/or receive from the network entity communications based upon the one or more carrier aggregation band combinations.

In accordance with some embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium can be encoded with instmctions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may transmit one or more carrier aggregation band combination index values to a first network entity. The method may further transmit to and/or receive from the first network entity communications based upon the one or more carrier aggregation band combinations.

In accordance with some embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may transmit one or more carrier aggregation band combination index values to a network entity. The method may further transmit to and/or receive from the network entity communications based upon the one or more carrier aggregation band combinations.

In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus may include circuitry configured to transmit one or more carrier aggregation band combination index values to a network entity. The circuitry may further transmit to and/or receive from the network entity communications based upon the one or more carrier aggregation band combinations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

For proper understanding of this disclosure, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates a system according to certain embodiments.

Figure 2 illustrates an example of an inter-band carrier aggregation band combination index table according to certain embodiments.

Figure 3 illustrates an example of another inter-band carrier aggregation band combination index table according to certain embodiments.

Figure 4 illustrates an example of supported bandwidths of a carrier aggregation band combination for an example carrier aggregation configuration according to certain embodiments.

Figure 5 illustrates an example of a signaling diagram according to certain embodiments. Figure 6 illustrates an example of a method according to certain embodiments.

Figure 7 illustrates an example of another method according to certain embodiments.

DETAIFED DESCRIPTION:

The features, structures, or characteristics of certain embodiments described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. For example, the usage of the phrases“certain embodiments,”“some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” or other similar language throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearance of the phrases“in certain embodiments,”“in some embodiments,”“in other embodiments,” or other similar language throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same group of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

Certain embodiments contained herein may provide significant technical advantages. For example, certain embodiments may reduce the overall resources utilized by entities by avoiding unnecessary use of network resources. Specifically, certain embodiments may reduce the required radio resource control (RRC) signaling of user equipment, as well as the required computing and storage resources of a base station to process all carrier aggregation band combinations for user equipment served by the base station, thus improving overall network performance and utilization.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system according to certain embodiments. In one embodiment, a system may include multiple devices, for example, network entity 110 and network entity 120. Network entity 110 may include one or more of user equipment, a mobile device, such as a mobile phone, smart phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), tablet, or portable media player, digital camera, pocket video camera, video game console, navigation unit, such as a global positioning system (GPS) device, desktop or laptop computer, single- location device, such as a sensor or smart meter, or any combination thereof. Network entity 120 may include one or more of a base station, such as an evolved node B (eNB) or next generation node B (gNB), a next generation radio access network (NG RAN), a mobility management entity (MME), a serving gateway, a server, and/or any other access node or combination thereof.

One or more of network entities 110 and 120 may include at least one processor, respectively indicated as 11 1 and 121. At least one memory may be provided in one or more of entities 110 and 120, indicated at 112 and 122, respectively. Memory 112, 122 may be fixed and/or removable. Memory 112, 122 may include computer program instructions or computer code contained therein. Processors 1 11, 121 and memories 112, 122, or a subset thereof, may be configured to provide means corresponding to the various blocks of FIGS. 2-7. Although not shown, one or more of entities 1 10 and 120 may also include positioning hardware, such as global positioning system (GPS) or micro electrical mechanical system (MEMS) hardware, which may be used to determine a location of the device. Other sensors are also permitted and may be included to determine location, elevation, orientation, and so forth, such as barometers, altimeters, compasses, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 1, transceivers 113 and 123 may be provided, and one or more transceivers may include at least one antenna, respectively illustrated as 1 14 and 124. The devices may have many antennas, such as an array of antennas configured for multiple input multiple output (MIMO) communications, or multiple antennas for multiple radio access technologies. Other configurations of these devices, for example, may be provided.

Transceivers 113 and 123 may be a transmitter, a receiver, both a transmitter and a receiver, or a unit or device that may be configured both for transmission and reception.

Processors 11 1 and 121 may be embodied by any computational or data processing device, such as a central processing unit (CPU), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or comparable device. The processors may be implemented as a single controller, or a plurality of controllers or processors. In addition, the processors may be general purpose or special purpose processors.

Memory 1 12 and 122 may independently be any suitable storage device, such as a non- transitory computer-readable medium. A hard disk drive (HDD), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, or other suitable memory may be used. The memories may be combined on a single integrated circuit as the processor, or may be separate from the one or more processors. Furthermore, the computer program instructions stored in the memory and which may be processed by the processors may be any suitable form of computer program code, for example, a compiled or interpreted computer program written in any suitable programming language.

The memory and the computer program instructions may be configured, with the processor for the particular device, to cause a hardware apparatus, such as user equipment, an eNB, or a gNB, to perform any of the processes described below (see, for example, FIGS. 2-7). Therefore, in certain embodiments, a non-transitory computer- readable medium may be encoded with computer instructions that, when executed in hardware, perform a process such as one of the processes described herein. Alternatively, certain embodiments may be performed entirely in hardware.

According to some embodiments, one or more base stations may communicate with one or more user equipment using one or more carrier aggregation (CA) band combinations (BCs). In some embodiments, one or more CA BCs may be associated with one or more CA BC index values and one or more new radio (NR) band values. In various embodiments, each of the NR band values may be associated with one or more uplink (UL) band ranges and one or more downlink (DL) band ranges. In some embodiments, one or more band ranges may be associated with a duplex mode, such as time-division duplexing (TDD) or frequency-division duplexing (FDD).

In certain embodiments, each UL band range may indicate a lower UL band frequency and an upper UL band frequency. The one or more UL band ranges may indicate the range of frequencies at which a base station may receive communications, and the range of frequencies at which user equipment may transmit communications. For example, a particular NR band may be associated with a band range of 663 MHz - 698 MHz.

In certain embodiments, each DL band range may indicate a lower DL band frequency and an upper DL band frequency. The one or more DL band ranges may indicate the range of frequencies at which a base station may transmit communications, and the range of frequencies at which user equipment may receive communications. For example, a particular NR band may be associated with a band range of 617 MHz - 652 MHz.

As an example, FIG. 2 provides a table of exemplary CA BCs, with associated CA BC index values, NR band values, and UL and DL band ranges. For example, CA BC “CA_n7l-n257” may be associated with CA BC index value 183055, and NR bands n7l and n257. Furthermore, NR band n71 may be associated with a first set of UL and DL band ranges, while NR band n257 may be associated with a second set of UL and DL band ranges. In some embodiments, one or more CA BC index values may be calculated according to an R^lh order linear polynomial, such as CA BC index (I) = Bi + B₂ x N + B₃ x N² + ... + BR x N(^R_1), where Bi, B₂, B„ ... BR are the R aggregated bands in the CA BC, and N is the maximum number of frequency bands that may be used in the network.

In some embodiments, the serving base station may obtain each aggregated band combination in each CA BC from the index by calculating BR = I DIV (N(^{R 1} )). In various embodiments,

In various embodiments, Bi = I MOD (N).

In some embodiments, the CA BC index value may be a number between 1 and the maximum number of combinations, with replacement of N objects taken R at a time. For example, the CA BC index values illustrated in FIG. 3 depict sequential CA BC index values, beginning at 1. In some embodiments, the maximum sequential CA BC index value may be calculated as C(N+R-l,R) = (N+R-l)! / [(N-l)! R!]. Providing a sequential index value may provide the additional advantage of removing repetition in the index for the same aggregated bands, but with a different order, e.g., (Bi, B₂) and (B₂, Bi).

In some embodiments, an NR CA bandwidth class that is supported in each aggregated band may be signaled as an ordered pair following the CA BC index value for each CA BC, as shown in FIG. 4. In various embodiments, the NR CA bandwidth class that is supported by each aggregated band may be signaled as a CA bandwidth index obtained using an equation similar to those described above in FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a signal flow diagram according to certain embodiments. In step 501, network entity 510 may transmit one or more CA BC index values to base station 520. In some embodiments, network entity 510 may be similar to network entity 110, and network entity 520 may be similar to network entity 120, as described above. In certain embodiments, network entity 510 may calculate the one or more CA BC index values using any of the linear polynomial functions described above, or by using a CA BC index value lookup table, similar to those described in FIGS. 2-4. In some further embodiments, the one or more CA BC index values may be based upon the capabilities of network entity 510. For example, network entity 510 may base the CA BC index value upon the duplex mode of network entity 510, such as time-division duplexing (TDD) or frequency-division duplexing (FDD).

In step 503, network entity 520 may map the received one or more CA BC index values to a CA BC index table, for example, the tables depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3. In some embodiments, network entity 520 may determine one or more of one or more CA BCs, NR bands, UL and DL bands, and duplex modes that are associated with the received one or more CA BC index values, for example, by calculation as described above in paragraphs [0036]-[0037]. For example, a CA BC index value may be associated with time-division duplexing (TDD) or frequency-division duplexing (FDD). In some embodiments, network entity 520 may request carrier aggregation configurations for one or more band combinations that are supported by the user equipment.

In step 505, network entity 510 and network entity 520 may perform uplink and downlink communications using the one or more UL and DL bands determined in step 503.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example method of a base station. In step 601, a network entity may receive one or more index values from one or more user equipment. In step 603, the network entity may map or calculate the received one or more index values to one or more CA BCs. In step 605, the network entity may transmit and/or receive communications with the one or more user equipment using the one or more CA BCs.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example method of user equipment. In step 701, user equipment may transmit one or more index values obtained, for example, by the tables depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3, or by calculation as described above in paragraphs [0036]-[0037], to one or more base stations. In step 703, the user equipment may transmit and/or receive communications with the one or more base stations using the one or more CA BCs.

One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that certain embodiments discussed above may be practiced with steps in a different order, and/or with hardware elements in configurations, which are different from those that are disclosed. Therefore, it would be apparent to those of skill in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions would be apparent, while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention. In order to determine the metes and bounds of the invention, therefore, reference should be made to the appended claims.

Partial Glossary

3 GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project

BC Band Combinations CA Carrier Aggregation

E-UTRAN Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network

FDD Frequency-division duplexing

NR New Radio

RAN4 Radio Access Network Working Group 4

RRC Radio Resource Control

TDD Time-division duplexing

UE User Equipment

UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunications System

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An apparatus, comprising:

at least one processor; and

at least one memory including computer program code,

wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to:

receive one or more index values from a first network entity;

map the one or more index values to one or more carrier aggregation band combinations; and

transmit to and/or receive from the first network entity communications using the one or more carrier aggregation band combinations.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus and/or the first network entity are a base station or a user equipment.

3. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 or 2, wherein the one or more carrier aggregation band combination index values are calculated according to CA BC index (I) = Bi + B₂ x N + B₃ x N² + ... + B_R x N^(R_1), wherein Bi, B₂, B₃, ... B_R are the R aggregated bands in the carrier aggregation band combination, and N is the maximum number of frequency bands that may be used in the network.

4. The apparatus according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the R aggregated bands in the carrier aggregation band combination BR are calculated as B_R = I DIViN^ ^).

5. The apparatus according to any of claims 1-4, wherein B_r is calculated as B_r = I calculated

6. The apparatus according to any of claims 1-5, wherein the one or more carrier aggregation band combination index values are associated with one or more of one or more CA BCs, NR bands, UL and DL bands, and duplex modes.

7. The apparatus according to any of claims 1-6, wherein the one or more duplex modes indicate time-division duplexing (TDD) or frequency-division duplexing (FDD).

8. An apparatus, comprising:

at least one processor; and

at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to:

transmit one or more carrier aggregation band combination index values to a first network entity; and

transmit to and/or receive from the first network entity communications based upon the one or more carrier aggregation band combinations.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the apparatus and/or the first network entity are a base station or a user equipment.

10. The apparatus according to any of claims 8 or 9, wherein the one or more carrier aggregation band combination index values are sequential and/or a number between 1 and the maximum number of combinations, with replacement of N objects taken R at a time, calculated as C(N+R-l,R) = (N+R-l)! / [(N-l)! R!].

11. The apparatus according to any of claims 8-10, wherein the one or more carrier aggregation band combination index values are associated with one or more CA BCs, one or more NR bands, one or more UL and DL bands, and/or one or more duplex modes.

12. The apparatus according to any of claims 8-11, wherein the one or more duplex modes indicate time-division duplexing (TDD) or frequency-division duplexing (FDD).

13. A method, comprising:

receiving, by a first network entity, one or more index values from a second network entity;

mapping, by the first network entity, the one or more index values to one or more carrier aggregation band combinations; and

transmitting to and/or receiving from the second network entity communications using the one or more carrier aggregation band combinations.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the first network entity and/or the second network entity are a base station or a user equipment.

15. The method according to any of claims 13 or 14, wherein the one or more carrier aggregation band combination index values are calculated according to: CA BC index (I) = Bi + B₂ x N + B₃ x N² + ... + BR x N^(R_1), where Bi, B₂, B₃, ... BR are the R aggregated bands in the carrier aggregation band combination, and N is the maximum number of frequency bands that may be used in the network.

16. The method according to any of claims 13-15, wherein the R aggregated bands in the carrier aggregation band combination BR are calculated as B_R = I DIV(N^{( R I )}).

17. The method according to any of claims 13-16, wherein B_r is calculated as B_r = calculated

18. The method according to any of claims 13-17, wherein the one or more carrier aggregation band combination index values are associated with one or more of one or more CA BCs, NR bands, UL and DL bands, and duplex modes.

19. The method according to any of claims 13-18, wherein the one or more duplex modes indicate time-division duplexing (TDD) or frequency-division duplexing (FDD).

20. A method, comprising:

transmitting, by a first network entity, one or more carrier aggregation band combination index values to a second network entity; and

transmitting to and/or receiving from the second network entity communications based upon the one or more carrier aggregation band combinations.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the first network entity and/or the second network entity are a base station or a user equipment.

22. The method according to any of claims 20 or 21, wherein the one or more carrier aggregation band combination index values are sequential and/or a number between 1 and the maximum number of combinations, with replacement of N objects taken R at a time, calculated as C(N+R-l,R) = (N+R-l)! / [(N-l)! R!].

23. The method according to any of claims 20-22, wherein the one or more carrier aggregation band combination index values are associated with one or more CA BCs, one or more NR bands, one or more UL and DL bands, and/or one or more duplex modes.

24. The method according to any of claims 20-23, wherein the one or more duplex modes indicate time-division duplexing (TDD) or frequency-division duplexing (FDD).

25. A non- transitory computer-readable medium encoding instructions that, when executed in hardware, perform a process according to any of claims 1-24.

26. An apparatus comprising means for performing a process according to any of claims 1-24.

27. An apparatus comprising circuitry configured to cause the apparatus to perform a process according to any of claims 1-24.

28. A computer program product encoded with instmctions for performing a process according to any of claims 1-24.