Patent Publication Number: US-2023163927-A1

Title: Method for Determining Spectrum Utilization

Description:
TECHNICAL AREA 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to determining spectrum utilization. 
     BACKGROUND 
     3GPP is currently developing a new Radio Access Technology (RAT), known as new radio (NR), that will be the basis of 5G and be submitted to IMT-2020. NR aims to fulfil a number of goals, including improving spectral efficiency, reducing latency, and enabling new use cases for IMT (International Mobile Telecommunications) technology. 
     In particular, NR is expected to enable a wider range of use cases than predecessor cellular radio technologies. Potential use cases include MBB (Mobile Broadband), Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC), Machine Type Communication (MTC), Device-to-Device (D2D), Vehicle-to-Vehicle &amp; Vehicle-to-Infrastructure Communication (V2V &amp; V2X). 
     The NR air interface will be based on Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM). When developing an OFDM waveform specification, two interrelated and key parameters are the subcarrier spacing in the frequency domain and the symbol length. As illustrated in  FIG.  1   , for E-UTRA the subcarrier spacing is fixed at 15 kHz and the symbol length (minus cyclic prefix) at 66.7 μsec, see for example 3GPP TS 36.201 V14.1.0 (2017-03-23) 
     For NR, there will not just be one possibility for subcarrier spacing, but a plurality. The subcarrier spacing possibilities will be based on 15*2 n  kHz, where n may be 1, 2, 3 . . . or potentially 0.5 or 0.25. See 3GPP TR 38.804 V14.0.0 (2017-03-24). 
     There are several reasons for allowing multiple possibilities for subcarrier spacing. First, NR is expected to operate in a diverse range of spectrum, ranging from spectrum at less than 1 GHz up to several tens of GHz. The needed subcarrier spacing depends upon phase noise experienced in the transmitter and receiver, and the amount of phase noise depends on the frequency range. Thus, different subcarrier spacings are needed for different parts of the frequency range. A second reason for allowing for different possibilities for subcarrier spacing is that the symbol length is directly related to the subcarrier spacing. The wider the subcarrier spacing, the shorter the symbol length.  FIG.  2    illustrates example NR subcarrier spacing and symbol duration possibilities. 
     For some applications, such as URLLC, latency is critical and, thus, a larger subcarrier spacing—and the associated shorter sub-frame length—are necessary. For other applications, such as MBB, spectral efficiency is critical and the subcarrier spacing needs to be set to minimize phase noise and the overhead from the cyclic prefix (CP), which leads to wider sub-frame spacing. 
     There is a potential for using wider sub-carrier spacing for some types of physical channels such as, for example, for transmission of broadcast and synchronization compared to subcarrier spacing used for data. If a base station or UE is transmitting or receiving different types of service, it may be that different subcarrier spacings are appropriate for each service. To enable optimized multi-service transmission, 3GPP is considering including in the 5G specifications the possibility of transmitting two different numerologies within the same frequency allocation for either the base station, the UE, or both. The decision as to how much of the carrier to allocate to each numerology may be made by the base station and changed frequently.  FIG.  3    illustrates an example of transmitting different numerologies. In order to achieve the goal of increasing spectral efficiency, 3GPP has agreed to increase the spectral utilization for NR. For previous RATs such as UTRA or E-UTRA, the so-called spectral utilization has been fixed at 90%. This means that if a bandwidth of X is allocated for transmissions, only 90% of X is used for transmissions. The remaining 10% of the spectrum is unused. As illustrated by  FIG.  4 A , 5% of the spectrum is typically left unused on either side of the bandwidth. 
     As illustrated by  FIG.  4 B , the restriction of spectral utilization to 90% leaves space available in the frequency domain for the roll-off of a filtering or windowing technique that avoid interference from one carrier to the next carrier. In this way, bandwidth allocations for different operators will not cause interference to one another. For NR, it has been recognized that in many cases, the amount of unused bandwidth needed for filtering/windowing of the unwanted emissions can be lower than 5% on either side of the carrier. This enables greater than 90% of the bandwidth to be used for transmitting user data, while filtering or windowing techniques can still be used to ensure that unwanted emissions outside of the edge of the allocated bandwidth meet unwanted emissions limits. 
     It is not the case, however, that a generic spectrum utilization percentage can be allocated to NR in the same manner as E-UTRA or UTRA. This is because the amount of space in the frequency domain needed for filtering/windowing of the signal depends on that size of the allocated bandwidth and also on the subcarrier spacing used for transmission. 
     SUMMARY 
     There is a need for improved spectrum utilization in wireless communication networks to transmit different numerologies on the same carrier. It is an object of the present application how to decide the spectrum utilization for the allocated bandwidth with respect to each numerology when multiplexing more than one numerology in single channel bandwidth or bandwidth allocation. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for setting a required spectrum utilization for a base station that can flexibly allocate different numerologies within an allocated bandwidth. 
     Advantages provided by at least some of the embodiments disclosed are that multiple numerologies may be multiplexed within the same allocated bandwidth or part thereof, and in some examples within the same symbol. This provides flexible resource utilization in an efficient and interoperable manner with controlled intercarrier interference. Embodiments provide for simplified filter design when implemented multiple numerologies multiplexed within a single channel bandwidth or within the same symbol. 
     According to certain embodiments, a method for determining spectrum utilization for a plurality of numerologies transmitted within an allocated bandwidth includes selecting one or more of the plurality of numerologies. For each of the one or more selected numerologies, a spectrum utilization is determined. The spectrum utilization is based on the spectrum utilization that would be achieved if the selected numerology was transmitted across the allocated bandwidth. A physical resource block (PRB) allocation is calculated based on the allocated bandwidth and the spectrum utilization. 
     According to certain embodiments the above method is performed by a network node, e.g. an eNodeB or a gNB. 
     According to other embodiments the above method is performed by a wireless device, e.g a UE. 
     According to certain embodiments, an apparatus is provided for determining spectrum utilization for a plurality of numerologies transmitted within an allocated bandwidth. The apparatus includes processing circuitry configured to select one or more of the plurality of numerologies and, for each of the one or more selected numerologies, determine a spectrum utilization. The spectrum utilization is based on the spectrum utilization that would be achieved if the selected numerology was transmitted across the allocated bandwidth. A physical resource block (PRB) allocation is calculated based on the allocated bandwidth and the spectrum utilization. 
     According to certain embodiments the above apparatus comprises a network node, e.g. an eNodeB or a gNB. 
     According to other embodiments the above apparatus comprises a wireless device, e.g a UE. 
     According to certain embodiments a computer program product in the form of storage ( 113 ,  103 ) comprising a non-transitory computer readable medium storing computer readable program code is provided, the computer readable program code operable, when executed by an apparatus, to perform the method described above. 
     Certain embodiments of the present disclosure may provide one or more technical advantages. For example, certain embodiments may provide a generic mechanism for deciding spectrum utilization and PRB allocation for different combinations of numerologies transmitted within an allocated bandwidth and, therefore, may enable standardization of flexible spectrum utilization. Certain embodiments may have none, some, or all of the recited advantages. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of the disclosed embodiments and their features and advantages, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1    is an example of LTE subcarrier spacing and symbol duration, according to certain embodiments; 
         FIG.  2    is potential NR subcarrier spacing and symbol duration possibilities with different numerologies, according to certain embodiments; 
         FIG.  3    is an example of transmitting different numerologies within an allocated bandwidth, according to certain embodiments. 
         FIG.  4 A  is an example of E-UTRA spectrum utilization, according to certain embodiments; 
         FIG.  4 B  is an example guard between operators with E-UTRA, according to certain embodiments; 
         FIG.  5    is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication network, according to certain embodiments; 
         FIG.  6    is an example transmission utilizing multiple numerologies, according to certain embodiments; 
         FIG.  7    is another example transmission utilizing multiple numerologies, according to certain embodiments; 
         FIG.  8    is an example flowchart for determining spectrum utilization, according to certain embodiments; 
         FIG.  9    is an example flowchart for determining spectrum utilization, according to certain embodiments; 
         FIG.  10    is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary radio network controller or core network node, in accordance with certain embodiments; 
         FIG.  11    is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary wireless device, in accordance with certain embodiments; and 
         FIG.  12    is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary network node, in accordance with certain embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As explained above, there is a need for improved spectrum utilization in wireless communication networks. Yet, there are a number of technical issues associated with spectrum utilization. The existing 3GPP decisions and solutions for spectrum utilization are based on the assumption of a single numerology being applied across the whole of the transmitted bandwidth. However, as described above, it is also intended that the base station should be able to transmit different numerologies on the same carrier. If different numerologies are transmitted, it is currently not clear how to decide the spectrum utilization for the allocated bandwidth. 
     As shown below in Tables 1 and 2, possible values for the usable number of Physical Resource Blocks (PRBs) for a number of specific bandwidth/Subcarrier Spacing combinations are depicted: 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Spectral Occupancy for range 1 (&gt;24 GHz) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Channel BW [MHz] 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 5 
                 10 
                 15 
                 20 
                 25 
                 40 
                 50 
                 60 
                 80 
                 100 
               
               
                 SCS 
                 MHz 
                 MHz 
                 MHz 
                 MHz 
                 MHz 
                 MHz 
                 MHz 
                 MHz 
                 MHz 
                 MHz 
               
               
                 [kHz] 
                 N RB   
                 N RB   
                 N RB   
                 N RB   
                 N RB   
                 N RB   
                 N RB   
                 N RB   
                 N RB   
                 N RB   
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 15 
                 25 
                 52 
                 79 
                 106 
                 133 
                 216 
                 270 
                 N.A 
                 N.A 
                 N.A 
               
               
                 30 
                 11 
                 24 
                 38 
                 51 
                 65 
                 106 
                 133 
                 162 
                 217 
                 273 
               
               
                 60 
                 N.A 
                 11 
                 18 
                 24 
                 31 
                 51 
                 65 
                 79 
                 107 
                 135 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Spectral Occupancy for range 2 (&gt;24 GHz) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Channel BW 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 [MHz] 
                 50 MHz 
                 100 MHz 
                 200 MHz 
                 400 MHz 
               
               
                 SCS [kHz] 
                 N RB   
                 N RB   
                 N RB   
                 N RB   
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 60 
                 66 
                 132 
                 264 
                 N.A 
               
               
                 120 
                 32 
                 66 
                 132 
                 264 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Furthermore, the base station may adapt the amount of different numerologies that are transmitted and the bandwidth allocated to each numerology on a dynamic basis. This means that there could be an enormous set of combinations of allocations of different numerologies. For each combination, a spectrum utilization target is needed. The spectrum utilization target cannot be read from the existing 3GPP spectrum utilization agreements for a single numerology. A utilization target is needed so that the unwanted emissions requirements can be defined and met under specific conditions. Furthermore, the spectrum utilization will impact the amount of filtering needed for receiver ACS. The spectrum utilization target needs to ensure that regardless of the configuration of numerologies, the filtering needed is even on either side of the carrier in order not to give rise to complex filter designs. According to certain embodiments, a solution is provided that considers the percentage spectrum utilization that would be applied for each of the involved numerologies if it would be transmitted in isolation across the whole carrier. One of these numerologies and spectral utilization values may then be identified as the basis for deciding the spectral utilization for the whole carrier. Based on the identified spectral utilization for the whole carrier and the bandwidth allocated for each individual numerology, Physical Resource Block (PRB) utilization values are then allocated to each numerology, taking into account that PRB bandwidths for different numerologies will have different values and the overall percentage spectrum utilization should be achieved. 
     According to certain particular embodiments, the two numerologies that are transmitted at the two edges of the carrier may be considered. The numerology with the lowest spectrum utilization percentage is identified and is used as the spectrum utilization for the whole carrier. At either edge of the carrier, PRBs are allocated such that the identified percentage spectrum utilization is achieved. Advantages provided by at least some of the embodiments disclosed are that multiple numerologies may be multiplexed within the same channel bandwidth and in some examples within the same symbol. This provides flexible resource utilization in an efficient and interoperable manner with controlled intercarrier interference. Embodiments provide for simplified filter design when implemented multiple numerologies multiplexed within a single channel bandwidth or within the same symbol. 
       FIGS.  5 - 11    disclose a number of embodiments which provide solutions for deciding spectrum utilization. Specifically,  FIG.  5    is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication network , in accordance with certain embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment,  FIG.  5    includes network  120 , network nodes  100 A-B (network node  100 A may be referenced generally as “network node  100 ”), and wireless device  110 . In different embodiments, the wireless communication network may comprise any number of wired or wireless networks, network nodes, base stations (BS), controllers, wireless devices, relay stations, and/or any other components that may facilitate or participate in the communication of data and/or signals whether via wired or wireless connections. Network  120  may comprise one or more IP networks, public switched telephone networks (PSTNs), packet data networks, optical networks, wide area networks (WANs), local area networks (LANs), wireless local area networks (WLANs), wired networks, wireless networks, metropolitan area networks, and other networks to enable communication between devices. 
     Network node  100  may refer to any kind of network node  100 , which may comprise a NodeB, base station (BS), radio base station, multi-standard radio (MSR) radio node such as MSR BS, eNodeB, gNodeB/gNB, network controller, radio network controller (RNC), multi-cell/multicast coordination entity (MCE), base station controller (BSC), relay node, base transceiver station (BTS), access point (AP), radio access point, transmission points, transmission nodes, remote radio unit (RRU), remote radio head (RRH), nodes in distributed antenna system (DAS), core network node (e.g., MSC, MME, SON node, coordinating node, etc.), O&amp;M, OSS, positioning node (e.g., E-SMLC), MDT, an external node (e.g., third-party node, a node external to the current network), or any suitable network node. 
     Network node  100  comprises interface  101 , processor circuitry  102 , storage  103 , and antenna  104 . These components are depicted as single boxes located within a single larger box. In practice however, a network node  100  may comprise multiple different physical components that make up a single illustrated component (e.g., interface  101  may comprise terminals for coupling wires for a wired connection and a radio transceiver for a wireless connection). As another example, network node  100  may be a virtual network node in which multiple different physically separate components interact to provide the functionality of network node  100  (e.g., processor  102  may comprise three separate processors located in three separate enclosures, where each processor is responsible for a different function for a particular instance of network node  100 ). Similarly, network node  100  may be composed of multiple physically separate components (e.g., a NodeB component and an RNC component, a BTS component and a BSC component, etc.), which may each have their own respective processor, storage, and interface components. In certain scenarios in which network node  100  comprises multiple separate components (e.g., BTS and BSC components), one or more of the separate components may be shared among several network nodes. For example, a single RNC may control multiple 
     NodeB:s. In such a scenario, each unique NodeB and BSC pair, may be a separate network node. In some embodiments, network node  100  may be configured to support multiple radio access technologies (RATs). In such embodiments, some components may be duplicated (e.g., separate storage  103  for the different RATs) and some components may be reused (e.g., the same antenna  104  may be shared by the RATs). 
     Processor  102  may be a combination of one or more of a microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, central processing unit, digital signal processor, application specific integrated circuit, field programmable gate array, processing circuitry, or any other suitable computing device, resource, or combination of hardware, software and/or encoded logic operable to provide, either alone or in conjunction with other network node  100  components, such as storage  103 , network node  100  functionality. For example, processor  102  may execute instructions stored in storage  103 . Such functionality may include providing various wireless features discussed herein to wireless devices, such as wireless device  110 , including any of the features or benefits disclosed herein. 
     Storage  103  may comprise any form of volatile or non-volatile computer readable memory including, without limitation, persistent storage, solid state memory, remotely mounted memory, magnetic media, optical media, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), removable media, or any other suitable local or remote memory component. Storage  103  may store any suitable instructions, data or information, including software and encoded logic, utilized by network node  100 . Storage  103  may be used to store any calculations made by processor  102  and/or any data received via interface  101 . 
     Network node  100  also comprises interface  101 , which may be used in the wired or wireless communication of signalling and/or data between network node  100 , network  120 , and/or wireless device  110 . For example, interface  101  may perform any formatting, coding, or translating that may be needed to allow network node  100  to send and receive data from network  120  over a wired connection. Interface  101  may also include a radio transmitter and/or receiver that may be coupled to or a part of antenna  104 . The radio transmitter/receiver may receive digital data that is to be sent out to other network nodes or wireless devices  110  via a wireless connection. The radio transmitter/receiver may convert the digital data into a radio signal having the appropriate channel and bandwidth parameters. The radio signal may then be transmitted via antenna  104  to the appropriate recipient (e.g., wireless device  110 ). 
     Antenna  104  may be any type of antenna capable of transmitting and receiving data and/or signals wirelessly. In some embodiments, antenna  104  may comprise one or more omni-directional, sector or panel antennas operable to transmit/receive radio signals between, for example, 2 GHz and 66 GHz. An omni-directional antenna may be used to transmit/receive radio signals in any direction, a sector antenna may be used to transmit/receive radio signals from devices within a particular area, and a panel antenna may be a line of sight antenna used to transmit/receive radio signals in a relatively straight line. Wireless device  110  may be any type of wireless endpoint, mobile station, mobile phone, wireless local loop phone, smartphone, user equipment (UE), desktop computer, PDA, cell phone, tablet, laptop, VoIP phone, and/or vehicle or telematics unit in a vehicle, which is able to wirelessly send and receive data and/or signals to and from a network node, such as network node  100  and/or other wireless devices  110 . For example, wireless device  110  may transmit wireless signals to one or more of network nodes  100   a - b , and/or receive wireless signals from one or more of network nodes  100   a - b . The wireless signals may contain voice traffic, data traffic, control signals, and/or any other suitable information. In some embodiments, an area of wireless signal coverage associated with a network node  100  may be referred to as a cell. In some embodiments, wireless device  110  may have device-to-device (D2D) capability. Thus, wireless device  110  may be able to receive signals from and/or transmit signals directly to another wireless device. 
     Wireless device  110  comprises interface  111 , processing circuitry  112 , storage  113 , antenna  114 , and power source  115 . Like network node  100 , the components of wireless device  110  are depicted as single boxes located within a single larger box, however in practice a wireless device may comprises multiple different physical components that make up a single illustrated component (e.g., storage  113  may comprise multiple discrete microchips, each microchip representing a portion of the total storage capacity). 
     Interface  111  may be used in the wireless communication of signalling and/or data between wireless device  110  and network node  100 . For example, interface  111  may perform any formatting, coding, or translating that may be needed to allow wireless device  110  to send and receive data from network node  100  over a wireless connection. Interface  111  may also include a radio transmitter and/or receiver that may be coupled to or a part of antenna  114 . The radio transmitter and/or receiver may receive digital data that is to be sent out to network node  100  via a wireless connection. The radio transmitter and/or receiver may convert the digital data into a radio signal having the appropriate channel and bandwidth parameters. The radio signal may then be transmitted via antenna  114  to network node  100 . 
     Processor  112  may be a combination of one or more of a microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, central processing unit, digital signal processor, application specific integrated circuit, field programmable gate array, processing circuitry, or any other suitable computing device, resource, or combination of hardware, software and/or encoded logic operable to provide, either alone or in combination with other wireless device  110  components, such as storage  113 , wireless device  110  functionality. Such functionality may include providing various wireless features discussed herein, including any of the features or benefits disclosed herein. 
     Storage  113  may be any form of volatile or non-volatile memory including, without limitation, persistent storage, solid state memory, remotely mounted memory, magnetic media, optical media, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), removable media, or any other suitable local or remote memory component. Storage  113  may store any suitable data, instructions, or information, including software and encoded logic, utilized by wireless device  110 . Storage  113  may be used to store any calculations made by processor  112  and/or any data received via interface  111 . 
     Antenna  114  may be any type of antenna capable of transmitting and receiving data and/or signals wirelessly. In some embodiments, antenna  114  may comprise one or more omni-directional, sector or panel antennas operable to transmit/receive radio signals between 2 GHz and 66 GHz. For simplicity, antenna  114  may be considered a part of interface  111  to the extent that a wireless signal is being used. 
     Power source  115  may comprise power management circuitry. Power source  115  may receive power from a power supply, which may either be comprised in, or be external to, power source  115 . For example, wireless device  110  may comprise a power supply in the form of a battery or battery pack, which is connected to, or integrated in, power source  115 . Other types of power sources, such as photovoltaic devices, may also be used. As a further example, wireless device  110  may be connectable to an external power supply (such as an electricity outlet) via an input circuitry or interface such as an electrical cable, whereby the external power supply supplies power to power source  115 . Power source  115  may be electrically coupled to interface  111 , processor  112 , storage  113 , and be configured to supply wireless device  110  with power for performing the functionality described herein. 
     In certain embodiments, network nodes  100  may interface with a radio network controller. The radio network controller may control network nodes  100  and may provide certain radio resource management functions, mobility management functions, and/or other suitable functions. In certain embodiments, the functions of the radio network controller may be performed by network node  100 . The radio network controller may interface with a core network node. In certain embodiments, the radio network controller may interface with the core network node via an interconnecting network. The interconnecting network may refer to any interconnecting system capable of transmitting audio, video, signals, data, messages, or any combination of the preceding. The interconnecting network may include all or a portion of a PSTN, a public or private data network, a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), a local, regional, or global communication or computer network such as the Internet, a wireline or wireless network, an enterprise intranet, or any other suitable communication link, including combinations thereof.  FIG.  10    describes additional functionality of a radio network controller. 
     In some embodiments, the core network node may manage the establishment of communication sessions and various other functionalities for wireless device  110 . Wireless device  110  may exchange certain signals with the core network node using the non-access stratum (NAS) layer. In non-access stratum signaling, signals between wireless devices  110  and the core network node may be transparently passed through the radio access network. In certain embodiments, network nodes  100  may interface with one or more network nodes over an internode interface. For example, network nodes  100   a  and  100   b  may interface over an X2 interface. 
     Although  FIG.  5    illustrates a particular arrangement of a wireless communication network, the present disclosure contemplates that the various embodiments described herein may be applied to a variety of networks having any suitable configuration. For example, the wireless communication network may include any suitable number of wireless devices  110  and network nodes  100 , as well as any additional elements suitable to support communication between wireless devices or between a wireless device and another communication device (such as a landline telephone). Furthermore, the embodiments may be implemented in any appropriate type of telecommunication system supporting any suitable communication standards and using any suitable components, and are applicable to any RAT or multi-RAT systems in which the wireless device receives and/or transmits signals (e.g., data). For example, the various embodiments described herein may be applicable to NR, 5G, LTE, LTE-Advanced, UMTS, HSPA, GSM, cdma2000, WiMax, WiFi, or any other suitable radio access technology. 
     As explained above, embodiments of the present disclosure describe systems and methods for determining and improving spectrum utilization for transmission of multiple numerologies.  FIG.  6    is an example transmission  200  utilizing multiple numerologies, according to certain embodiments. In the depicted example, a wireless device  110  or a network node  100  (e.g., a gNB) is allocated a 40 MHz carrier. Wireless device  110  or Network node  100  may transmit two numerologies for a certain transmission time interval (TTI). In the example of  FIG.  6   , half of the bandwidth is allocated to each numerology. One numerology is based on the 15 khz subcarrier spacing and the second numerology on the 60 khz subcarrier spacing. 
     The spectrum utilization decided for each numerology is examined. For the 15 khz subcarrier spacing, 216 PRBs may be used. This corresponds to a percentage spectral utilization of 97.2%. For the 60 khz subcarrier spacing, 51 PRBs may be used. This corresponds to a percentage spectral utilization of 91.8%. The 91.8% from the 60 khz subcarrier spacing is the lower of the two and is thus used as the basis for the spectrum utilization. For the 60 khz SCS, the amount of used PRBs is shown by equation 1: 
       └40 MHz*50%*91.8%/60 khz*12┘=25   (1)
 
     For the 15 khz SCS, the amount of used PRBs is shown by equation 2: 
       └40 MHz*50%*91.8%/15 khz*12┘=102   (2)
 
     At a later stage, the wireless device or the gNB decides to allocate 75% of the bandwidth to the 15 khz SCS and 25% to the 60 khz SCS. For the 60 khz SCS, the amount of used PRBs is shown by equation 3: 
       └40 MHz*25%*91.8%/60 khz*12┘=12   (3)
 
     For the 15 khz SCS, the amount of used PRBs is shown by equation 4: 
       └40 MHz*75%*91.8%/15 khz*12┘=153   (4)
 
       FIG.  7    is another example transmission  300  utilizing multiple numerologies, according to certain embodiments. In the depicted example, network node  100  (e.g., a gNB) may transmit three numerologies within an 80 MHz bandwidth: 15 khz, 30 khz and 60 khz In the illustrated embodiment, only the 15 khz and 60 khz numerologies are near to the edge of the bandwidth and thus only these numerologies are considered. In an 80 MHz bandwidth, the percentage spectral utilizations are 96.3% for the 60 khz SCS and is not defined for the 15 khz SCS. Thus 96.3% defined for 60 khz SCS can be used as the basis for the spectral utilization in this case, since the largest SCS will be the one that implies the lowest spectral utilization Network node  100  may allocate 50% of the bandwidth to the 15 khz numerology and 25% each to the 30 and 60 khz numerologies. For the 60 khz SCS, the amount of used PRBs is shown by equation 5: 
       └80 MHz*25%*97.2%/60 khz*12┘=27   (5)
 
     For the 30 khz SCS, the amount of used PRBs is shown by equation 6: 
       └80 MHz*25%*97.2%/30 khz*12┘=54   (6)
 
     For the 15 khz SCS, the amount of used PRBs is shown by equation 7: 
       └80 MHz*50%*97.2%/15 khz*12┘=216   (7)
 
       FIG.  8    illustrates an example flow chart for determining spectrum utilization, according to certain embodiments. At step  410 , an apparatus such as network node  100 A, wireless device  110 , or another transmitter may select the numerologies for which spectrum utilizing may be considered. At step  420 , the apparatus may determine (e.g., calculate) the spectrum utilization for each of the selected numerologies. At step  430 , the apparatus may select which spectrum utilization to consider for communications. At step  440 , the apparatus may calculate a PRB allocation for each numerology based on the proportion of bandwidth allocated and selected spectrum utilization. In some embodiments, the apparatus may then communicate with a receiving apparatus using the selected spectrum utilization and PRB allocation. 
       FIG.  9    illustrates another example flow chart for determining spectrum utilization, according to certain embodiments. The method begins at step  510  with an apparatus such as network node  100 A, wireless device  110 , or another transmitter selecting one or more of the plurality of numerologies. In a particular embodiment, the numerologies that are selected may be transmitted at either edge of the allocated bandwidth. 
     At step  520 , the apparatus determines a spectrum utilization for each of the one or more selected numerologies. The spectrum utilization is based on the spectrum utilization that would be achieved if the selected numerology was transmitted across the allocated bandwidth. 
     In a particular embodiment, the spectrum utilization may be determined based on information received from another node and/or based on the application of a rule. 
     In a particular embodiment, the spectrum utilization is used for user data and comprises a first amount of bandwidth within the allocated bandwidth. A second amount of bandwidth within the allocated bandwidth is unused. In a particular embodiment, a portion of the second amount of bandwidth is disposed on each side of the first amount of bandwidth to operate as a guard between two adjacent numerologies. The second amount of bandwidth may be determined based on the first amount of bandwidth. 
     In a particular embodiment, a predefined spectrum utilization may be used. The predefined spectrum utilization may be based on one of a higher predefined bandwidth and a lower predefined bandwidth. In another embodiment, an interpolated spectrum utilization may be used. The interpolated spectrum utilization may be based on a position of the allocated bandwidth compared to a predefined lower bandwidth and a predefined higher bandwidth. 
     At step  530 , a PRB allocation is calculated for each of the one numerologies. The PRB allocation is based on the allocated bandwidth and the spectrum utilization. In a particular embodiment, the PRB allocation may be rounded down to the nearest PRB. 
     In a particular embodiment, for example, a spectrum utilization from the spectrum utilizations determined for the one or more numerologies at step  520  may be selected. The selected spectrum utilization may then be used as for calculating the PRB allocation. As just one example, the selected spectrum utilization may be the lowest spectrum utilization of the spectrum utilizations determined for the one or more numerologies. 
       FIG.  10    is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary radio network controller or core network node  610 , in accordance with certain embodiments. Examples of network nodes can include a mobile switching center (MSC), a serving GPRS support node (SGSN), a mobility management entity (MME), a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), and so on. The radio network controller or core network node  610  includes processor  620 , memory  630 , and network interface  640 . In some embodiments, processor  620  executes instructions to provide some or all of the functionality described above as being provided by the network node, memory  630  stores the instructions executed by processor  620 , and network interface  640  communicates signals to any suitable node, such as a gateway, switch, router, Internet, Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), network nodes  100 , radio network controllers or core network nodes  610 , etc. 
     Processor  620  may include any suitable combination of hardware and software implemented in one or more modules to execute instructions and manipulate data to perform some or all of the described functions of the radio network controller or core network node  610 . In some embodiments, processor  620  may include, for example, one or more computers, one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more microprocessors, one or more applications, and/or other logic. 
     Memory  630  is generally operable to store instructions, such as a computer program, software, an application including one or more of logic, rules, algorithms, code, tables, etc. and/or other instructions capable of being executed by a processor. Examples of memory  630  include computer memory (for example, Random Access Memory (RAM) or Read Only Memory (ROM)), mass storage media (for example, a hard disk), removable storage media (for example, a Compact Disk (CD) or a Digital Video Disk (DVD)), and/or or any other volatile or non-volatile, non-transitory computer-readable and/or computer-executable memory devices that store information. 
     In some embodiments, network interface  640  is communicatively coupled to processor  620  and may refer to any suitable device operable to receive input for the network node, send output from the network node, perform suitable processing of the input or output or both, communicate to other devices, or any combination of the preceding. Network interface  640  may include appropriate hardware (e.g., port, modem, network interface card, etc.) and software, including protocol conversion and data processing capabilities, to communicate through a network. 
     Other embodiments of the network node may include additional components beyond those shown in  FIG.  10    that may be responsible for providing certain aspects of the network node&#39;s functionality, including any of the functionality described above and/or any additional functionality (including any functionality necessary to support the embodiments described above). 
       FIG.  11    is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary wireless device  110 , in accordance with certain embodiments. Wireless device  110  may include one or more modules. For example, wireless device  110  may include a determining module  710 , a communication module  720 , and a receiving module  730 . Optionally, wireless device  110  may include an input module  740 , a display module  750 , and any other suitable modules. Wireless device  110  may perform any of the functions described above in regard to  FIGS.  1 - 10   . 
     Determining module  710  may perform the processing functions of wireless device  110 . In certain embodiments, wireless device  110  may perform any of the functions described above with respect to  FIGS.  1 - 10   . Determining module  710  may include or be included in one or more processors, such as processor  112  described above in relation to  FIG.  5   . Determining module  710  may include analog and/or digital circuitry configured to perform any of the functions of determining module  710  and/or processor  112  described above. In one embodiment, for example, determining module  710  may select one or more of the plurality of numerologies. For each of the one or more selected numerologies, determining module  710  may determine a spectrum utilization based on the spectrum utilization that would be achieved if the selected numerology was transmitted across the allocated bandwidth. Determining module  710  may then calculate a PRB allocation based on the allocated bandwidth and the spectrum utilization. The functions of determining module  710  described above may, in certain embodiments, be performed in one or more distinct modules. 
     Communication module  720  may perform the communication functions of wireless device  110 . In certain embodiments, communication module  720  may perform any of the communication functions described above with respect to  FIGS.  1 - 10   . Communication module  720  may transmit messages to one or more of network nodes  100   a - b  of the wireless network described in  FIG.  5   . Communication module  720  may include a transmitter and/or a transceiver, such as interface  111  and/or antenna  114  described above in relation to  FIG.  5   . Communication module  720  may include circuitry configured to wirelessly transmit messages and/or signals. In particular embodiments, communication module  720  may receive messages and/or signals for transmission from determining module  710 . In certain embodiments, the functions of communication module  720  described above may be performed in one or more distinct modules. 
     Receiving module  730  may perform the receiving functions of wireless device  110 . In certain embodiments, receiving module  730  may perform any of the receiving functions of wireless device  110  described above with respect to  FIGS.  1 - 10   . Receiving module  730  may include a receiver and/or a transceiver, such as interface  111  and/or antenna  114  described above in relation to  FIG.  5   . Receiving module  730  may include circuitry configured to wirelessly receive messages and/or signals. In particular embodiments, receiving module  730  may communicate received messages and/or signals to determining module  710 . 
     Optionally, wireless device  110  may include input module  740 . Input module  740  may receive user input intended for wireless device  110 . For example, the input module may receive key presses, button presses, touches, swipes, audio signals, video signals, and/or any other appropriate signals. The input module may include one or more keys, buttons, levers, switches, touchscreens, microphones, and/or cameras. The input module may communicate received signals to determining module  710 . 
     Optionally, wireless device  110  may include display module  750 . Display module  750  may present signals on a display of wireless device  110 . Display module  750  may include the display and/or any appropriate circuitry and hardware configured to present signals on the display. Display module  750  may receive signals to present on the display from determining module  710 . 
     Determining module  710 , communication module  720 , receiving module  730 , input module  740 , and display module  750  may include any suitable configuration of hardware and/or software, such as all being implemented as hardware or all being implemented with the help of software. Wireless device  110  may include additional modules beyond those shown in  FIG.  11    that may be responsible for providing any suitable functionality, including any of the functionality described above and/or any additional functionality (including any functionality necessary to support the various solutions described herein). 
       FIG.  12    is a block schematic of an exemplary network node  100 , in accordance with certain embodiments. Network node  100  may include one or more modules. For example, network node  100  may include determining module  810 , communication module  820 , receiving module  830 , and any other suitable modules. In some embodiments, one or more of determining module  810 , communication module  820 , receiving module  830 , or any other suitable module may be implemented using one or more processors, such as processor  102  described above in relation to  FIG.  5   . In certain embodiments, the functions of two or more of the various modules may be combined into a single module. Network node  100  may perform one or more steps associated with the embodiments described above in reference to  FIGS.  1 - 10   . 
     Determining module  810  may perform the processing functions of network node  100 . In certain embodiments, determining module  810  may perform any of the functions of network node described above with respect to  FIGS.  1 - 10   . In one example embodiment, determining module  810  may determine one or more beams for configuring wireless device  110  to switch to as part of a beam-switching procedure. 
     Determining module  810  may include or be included in one or more processors, such as processor  102  described above in relation to  FIG.  1   . Determining module  810  may include analog and/or digital circuitry configured to perform any of the functions of determining module  810  and/or processor  102  described above. In one embodiment, determining module  810  may determine a plurality of numerologies for which spectrum utilization should be considered. Determining module  810  may then determine the spectrum utilization for each of the selected numerologies and select which spectrum utilization to consider. Determining module  810  may then calculate a PRB allocation for each numerology based on the proportion of bandwidth allocated and the selected spectrum utilization. 
     In another embodiment, determining module  810  may select one or more of the plurality of numerologies. For each of the one or more selected numerologies, determining module  810  may determine a spectrum utilization based on the spectrum utilization that would be achieved if the selected numerology was transmitted across the allocated bandwidth. Determining module  810  may then calculate a PRB allocation based on the allocated bandwidth and the spectrum utilization. 
     The functions of determining module  810  may, in certain embodiments, be performed in one or more distinct modules. For example, in certain embodiments some of the functionality of determining module  810  may be performed by an allocation module. 
     Communication module  820  may perform the transmission functions of network node  100 . In certain embodiments, network node  100  may perform any of the functions of the node described above with respect to  FIGS.  1 - 10   . In one example embodiment, communication module  820  may communication with wireless device  110  using the PRB allocation and selected spectrum utilization determined by determining module  810 . 
     Communication module  820  may transmit messages to one or more of wireless devices  110 . Communication module  820  may include a transmitter and/or a transceiver, such as interface  101  described above in relation to  FIG.  5   . Communication module  820  may include circuitry configured to wirelessly transmit messages and/or signals. In particular embodiments, communication module  820  may receive messages and/or signals for transmission from determining module  810  or any other module. 
     Receiving module  830  may perform the receiving functions of network node  100 . In certain embodiments, receiving module  830  may perform any of the functions of network node  100  described in  FIGS.  1 - 10   . Receiving module  830  may receive any suitable information from wireless device  110  Receiving module  830  may include a receiver and/or a transceiver, such as interface  101  and/or antenna  104 , which are described above in relation to  FIG.  5   . Receiving module  830  may include circuitry configured to wirelessly receive messages and/or signals. In particular embodiments, receiving module  830  may communicate received messages and/or signals to determining module  810  or any other suitable module. 
     Determining module  810 , communication module  820 , and receiving module  830  may include any suitable configuration of hardware and/or software, such as all being implemented as hardware or all being implemented with the help of software. Network node  100  may include additional modules beyond those shown in  FIG.  12    that may be responsible for providing any suitable functionality, including any of the functionality described above and/or any additional functionality (including any functionality necessary to support the various embodiments described herein). 
     According to certain embodiments, a method in a network node for determining spectrum utilization for a plurality of numerologies transmitted within an allocated bandwidth includes selecting one or more of the plurality of numerologies. For each of the one or more selected numerologies, a spectrum utilization is determined. The spectrum utilization is based on the spectrum utilization that would be achieved if the selected numerology was transmitted across the allocated bandwidth. A physical resource block (PRB) allocation is calculated based on the allocated bandwidth and the spectrum utilization. The one of the one or more of the plurality of numerologies are implemented within the allocated bandwidth. 
     In a particular embodiment, selecting one or more of the plurality of numerologies comprises selecting one or more numerologies that are transmitted at either edge of the allocated bandwidth. 
     In a particular embodiment, the implemented numerology is the numerology that requires the lowest determined spectrum utilization. 
     In a particular embodiment, calculating the PRB allocation comprises rounding the PRB allocation down to the nearest PRB. 
     In a particular embodiment, determining the spectrum utilization further comprises using a predefined spectrum utilization, wherein the predefined spectrum utilization is based on one of a higher predefined bandwidth and a lower predefined bandwidth. 
     In a particular embodiment, determining the spectrum utilization further comprises using an interpolated spectrum utilization, wherein the interpolated spectrum utilization is based on a position of the allocated bandwidth compared to a predefined lower bandwidth and a predefined higher bandwidth. 
     According to certain embodiments, an example network node for determining spectrum utilization for a plurality of numerologies transmitted within an allocated bandwidth includes processing circuitry configured to select one or more of the plurality of numerologies. For each of the one or more selected numerologies, a spectrum utilization is determined based on the spectrum utilization that would be achieved if the selected numerology was transmitted across the allocated bandwidth. A physical resource block (PRB) allocation is calculated based on the allocated bandwidth and the spectrum utilization. The one of the one or more of the plurality of numerologies are implemented within the allocated bandwidth. 
     In a particular embodiment, to select one or more of the plurality of numerologies, the processing circuitry is configured to select one or more numerologies that are transmitted at either edge of the allocated bandwidth. 
     In a particular embodiment, the implemented numerology is the numerology that requires the lowest determined spectrum utilization. 
     In a particular embodiment, to calculate the PRB allocation, the processing circuitry is configured to round the PRB allocation down to the nearest PRB. 
     In a particular embodiment, to determine the spectrum utilization, the processing circuitry is further configured to use a predefined spectrum utilization, wherein the predefined spectrum utilization is based on one of a higher predefined bandwidth and a lower predefined bandwidth. 
     In a particular embodiment, to determine the spectrum utilization, the processing circuitry is further configured to use an interpolated spectrum utilization based on a position of the allocated bandwidth compared to a predefined lower bandwidth and a predefined higher bandwidth. 
     According to certain embodiments, a computer program product in the form of storage ( 113 ,  103 ) comprising a non-transitory computer readable medium storing computer readable program code is provided, the computer readable program code operable, when executed by processing circuitry to perform any of the described above. 
     According to certain embodiments, the method/processing circuitry/program code determining spectrum utilization, is based on information received from another node, and/or a based on the application of a rule. 
     Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems and apparatuses described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or separated. Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatuses may be performed by more, fewer, or other components. Additionally, operations of the systems and apparatuses may be performed using any suitable logic comprising software, hardware, and/or other logic. As used in this document, “each” refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set. 
     Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the methods described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The methods may include more, fewer, or other steps. Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable order. Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to “a/an/the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc.” are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly stated. 
     Although this disclosure has been described in terms of certain embodiments, alterations and permutations of the embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description of the embodiments does not constrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, as defined by the following claims. 
     Abbreviations used in the preceding description include: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Abbreviation 
                 Explanation 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 3GPP 
                 3 rd  Generation Partnership Project 
               
               
                   
                 ACS 
                 Adjacent Channel Selectivity 
               
               
                   
                 CP 
                 Cyclic Prefix 
               
               
                   
                 D2D 
                 Device to Device 
               
               
                   
                 E-UTRA 
                 Enhanced Universal Terrestrial Radio Access 
               
               
                   
                 GHz 
                 Giga-Hertz 
               
               
                   
                 gNB 
                 5 G Node B 
               
               
                   
                 KHz 
                 Kilo-Hertz 
               
               
                   
                 LTE 
                 Long Term Evolution 
               
               
                   
                 MBB 
                 Mobile Broadband 
               
               
                   
                 MHz 
                 Mega-Hertz 
               
               
                   
                 MTC 
                 Machine Type Communication 
               
               
                   
                 NR 
                 New Radio 
               
               
                   
                 OFDM 
                 Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing 
               
               
                   
                 PRB 
                 Physical Resource Blocks 
               
               
                   
                 RAT 
                 Radio Access Technology 
               
               
                   
                 SCS 
                 Subcarrier Spacing 
               
               
                   
                 TTI 
                 Transmission Time Interval 
               
               
                   
                 URLLC 
                 Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communication 
               
               
                   
                 USEC 
                 Micro Seconds 
               
               
                   
                 UTRA 
                 Universal Terrestrial Radio Access 
               
               
                   
                 V2V 
                 Vehicle to Vehicle 
               
               
                   
                 V2X 
                 Vehicle to Infrastructure