Coverage performance is key for mobile operators when commercializing 5G New Radio (NR) networks. Compared with LTE systems, NR systems operate at higher frequency bands, resulting in higher path loss and worse coverage performance.
According to Ericsson, the direct impact that coverage has on service quality, opex and capex makes it a key factor for both commercialization and competition.
“In Rel-17, the 3GPP has identified the PUSCH [physical uplink shared channel] as a potential coverage bottleneck. To improve PUSCH coverage, the 3GPP is considering mechanisms for repetition and support for transport block processing over multiple slots. Moreover, Rel-17 specifies mechanisms to support demodulation reference signal (DMRS) bundling across PUSCH repetitions and signaling support for dynamic PUCCH [physical uplink control channel] repetition factor indication,” Ericsson said.
