Modulation Schemes (5G RAN3.1 - Draft A)

5G RAN
Modulation Schemes Feature

Parameter Description
Issue Draft A
Date 2020-01-20
HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.

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Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. i

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Modulation Schemes Feature Parameter Description Contents
Contents
1 Change History.........................................................................................................................1
1.1 5G RAN3.1 Draft A (2020-01-20)...................................................................................................................................... 1
2 About This Document.............................................................................................................3

2.1 General Statements................................................................................................................................................................ 3
2.2 Features in This Document.................................................................................................................................................. 4
2.3 Differences Between NR FDD and NR TDD................................................................................................................... 4
2.4 Differences Between NSA and SA..................................................................................................................................... 4
2.5 Differences Between High Frequency Bands and Low Frequency Bands............................................................ 5
3 Overview....................................................................................................................................6
4 Basic Modulation Schemes....................................................................................................8
4.1 Principles.................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
4.2 Network Analysis..................................................................................................................................................................... 8
4.2.1 Benefits.................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
4.2.2 Impacts.................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
4.3 Requirements............................................................................................................................................................................ 8
4.3.1 Licenses................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
4.3.2 Software.................................................................................................................................................................................. 9
4.3.3 Hardware................................................................................................................................................................................ 9
4.3.4 Others...................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
4.4 Operation and Maintenance............................................................................................................................................... 9
4.4.1 Data Configuration..............................................................................................................................................................9
4.4.2 Activation Verification........................................................................................................................................................ 9
4.4.3 Network Monitoring......................................................................................................................................................... 10
5 DL 256QAM............................................................................................................................. 11
5.1 Principles.................................................................................................................................................................................. 11
5.2 Network Analysis.................................................................................................................................................................. 12
5.2.1 Benefits................................................................................................................................................................................. 12
5.2.2 Impacts.................................................................................................................................................................................. 12
5.3 Requirements......................................................................................................................................................................... 14
5.3.1 Licenses................................................................................................................................................................................. 14
5.3.2 Software................................................................................................................................................................................15
5.3.3 Hardware.............................................................................................................................................................................. 15
Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. ii

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Modulation Schemes Feature Parameter Description Contents
5.3.4 Others.................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
5.4 Operation and Maintenance............................................................................................................................................. 15
5.4.1 Data Configuration........................................................................................................................................................... 15
5.4.1.1 Data Preparation............................................................................................................................................................ 15
5.4.1.2 Using MML Commands............................................................................................................................................... 16
5.4.1.3 Using the MAE-Deployment...................................................................................................................................... 16
5.4.2 Activation Verification..................................................................................................................................................... 16
6 UL 256QAM (Trial)................................................................................................................18
6.1 Principles.................................................................................................................................................................................. 18
6.2 Network Analysis.................................................................................................................................................................. 18
6.2.1 Benefits................................................................................................................................................................................. 19
6.2.2 Impacts.................................................................................................................................................................................. 19
6.3 Requirements......................................................................................................................................................................... 20
6.3.1 Licenses................................................................................................................................................................................. 20
6.3.2 Software................................................................................................................................................................................21
6.3.3 Hardware.............................................................................................................................................................................. 21
6.3.4 Others.................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
6.4 Operation and Maintenance............................................................................................................................................. 21
6.4.1 Data Configuration........................................................................................................................................................... 21
6.4.1.1 Data Preparation............................................................................................................................................................ 21
6.4.1.2 Using MML Commands............................................................................................................................................... 22
6.4.1.3 Using the MAE-Deployment...................................................................................................................................... 22
6.4.2 Activation Verification..................................................................................................................................................... 22
7 Parameters.............................................................................................................................. 23
8 Counters.................................................................................................................................. 24
9 Glossary................................................................................................................................... 25
10 Reference Documents........................................................................................................ 26
Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. iii

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Modulation Schemes Feature Parameter Description 1 Change History
1 Change History
This chapter describes changes not included in the "Parameters", "Counters",

"Glossary", and "Reference Documents" chapters. These changes include:
● Technical changes
Changes in functions and their corresponding parameters
● Editorial changes
Improvements or revisions to the documentation
1.1 5G RAN3.1 Draft A (2020-01-20)

This issue introduces the following changes to 5G RAN2.1 01 (2019-06-06).
Technical Changes
Change Description Parameter Change Base Station Model
Added UL 256QAM as a trial None ● 3900 and 5900

feature. For details, see 6 UL series base
256QAM (Trial). stations
● DBS3900
LampSite and
DBS5900
LampSite
Changed the name of CME to None ● 3900 and 5900

MAE-Deployment. series base
stations
● DBS3900
LampSite and
DBS5900
LampSite
Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 1

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Modulation Schemes Feature Parameter Description 1 Change History
Editorial Changes
None

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Modulation Schemes Feature Parameter Description 2 About This Document
2 About This Document
2.1 General Statements

Purpose
Feature Parameter Description documents are intended to acquaint readers with:
● The technical principles of features and their related parameters

● The scenarios where these features are used, the benefits they provide, and
the impact they have on networks and functions
● Requirements of the operating environment that must be met before feature
activation
● Parameter configuration required for feature activation, verification of feature
activation, and monitoring of feature performance
This document only provides guidance for feature activation. Feature deployment and
feature gains depend on the specifics of the network scenario where the feature is
deployed. To achieve the desired gains, contact Huawei professional service engineers.
Software Interfaces
Any parameters, alarms, counters, or managed objects (MOs) described in Feature
Parameter Description documents apply only to the corresponding software
release. For future software releases, refer to the corresponding updated product
documentation.
Trial Features
Trial features are features that are not yet ready for full commercial release for
certain reasons. For example, the industry chain (terminals/CN) may not be
sufficiently compatible. However, these features can still be used for testing
purposes or commercial network trials. Anyone who desires to use the trial
features shall contact Huawei and enter into a memorandum of understanding
(MoU) with Huawei prior to an official application of such trial features. Trial

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features are not for sale in the current version but customers may try them for
free.
Customers acknowledge and undertake that trial features may have a certain
degree of risk due to absence of commercial testing. Before using them, customers
shall fully understand not only the expected benefits of such trial features but also
the possible impact they may exert on the network. In addition, customers
acknowledge and undertake that since trial features are free, Huawei is not liable
for any trial feature malfunctions or any losses incurred by using the trial features.
Huawei does not promise that problems with trial features will be resolved in the
current version. Huawei reserves the rights to convert trial features into
commercial features in later R/C versions. If trial features are converted into
commercial features in a later version, customers shall pay a licensing fee to
obtain the relevant licenses prior to using the said commercial features. If a
customer fails to purchase such a license, the trial feature(s) will be invalidated
automatically when the product is upgraded.
2.2 Features in This Document

This document describes the following features.
Feature ID Feature Name Section
FBFD-010008 Basic Modulation 4 Basic Modulation

Schemes Schemes
FOFD-010050 DL 256QAM 5 DL 256QAM
FOFD-030215 UL 256QAM (Trial) 6 UL 256QAM (Trial)
2.3 Differences Between NR FDD and NR TDD

Function Name Difference Section
Basic Modulation None 4 Basic Modulation

Schemes Schemes
DL 256QAM None 5 DL 256QAM
UL 256QAM (Trial) None 6 UL 256QAM (Trial)
2.4 Differences Between NSA and SA

Basic Modulation None 4 Basic Modulation

Schemes Schemes

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DL 256QAM None 5 DL 256QAM
UL 256QAM (Trial) None 6 UL 256QAM (Trial)
2.5 Differences Between High Frequency Bands and

Low Frequency Bands
In this document, low frequency bands refer to those belonging to FR1 (410–7125
MHz), and high frequency bands refer to those belonging to FR2 (24250–52600
MHz). For details about FR1 and FR2, see section 5.1 "General" in 3GPP TS 38.104
V15.5.0.
Basic Modulation This function is 4 Basic Modulation

Schemes supported in both high Schemes
and low frequency
bands, with the
following differences:
Both SA networking and
NSA networking are
supported in low
frequency bands, and
only NSA networking is
supported in high
frequency bands.
DL 256QAM This function is 5 DL 256QAM

supported only in low
frequency bands.
UL 256QAM (Trial) This function is 6 UL 256QAM (Trial)

supported only in low
frequency bands.

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Modulation Schemes Feature Parameter Description 3 Overview
3 Overview
In digital communications systems, modulation is the process of varying the

amplitude, phase, or frequency of a carrier signal with a digital baseband signal
that contains information, allowing the information to be transmitted over the
carrier signal.
The modulation schemes presented in this document are 3GPP-defined basic

functions. For details, see "5.1 Modulation mapper" of 3GPP TS 38.211 (V15.5.0).
The gNodeB and UEs use a range of modulation schemes in both the uplink and
the downlink. In this version, the following modulation schemes are supported:
● UL π/2-Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK)
● UL/DL Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK)
● UL/DL 16 Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (16QAM)
In digital modulation, each symbol carries bits, where N is the number of

symbols of a digital modulation scheme. Modulation schemes of different orders
produce different modulation efficiencies. Higher-order modulation schemes are
more efficient. They allow more bits to be carried per symbol, producing a higher
bit rate for a given symbol rate. Table 3-1 lists the number of bits that one symbol
can carry with different modulation schemes.
Table 3-1 Number of bits over one symbol in different modulation schemes
Modulation Scheme Number of Bits over One Symbol
π/2-BPSK 1
QPSK 2
16QAM 4
64QAM 6
256QAM 8

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Modulation Schemes Feature Parameter Description 3 Overview
A higher-order modulation scheme modulates more bits of information into each

modulation symbol, producing a better overall spectral efficiency for 5G networks.
Specifically:
● π/2-BPSK modulates one bit into each modulation symbol.
● QPSK modulates two bits into each modulation symbol.
● 16QAM modulates four bits into each modulation symbol.
● 64QAM modulates six bits into each modulation symbol.
● 256QAM modulates eight bits into each modulation symbol.
A higher-order modulation scheme requires a better channel quality to ensure that
the signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) is high enough at the receiver
end for correct demodulation.
This feature allows the gNodeB and UEs to select the modulation scheme best
suited to a given channel condition, thereby balancing modulation schemes and
bit error rates during data transmission.
● When UEs are in radio environments with a poor channel quality, the gNodeB
instructs UEs to use the low-order modulation scheme π/2-BPSK or QPSK
during uplink transmission and the low-order modulation scheme QPSK
during downlink reception to meet service quality requirements.
● When UEs are in radio environments with a good channel quality, the gNodeB
instructs UEs to use a high-order QAM modulation scheme during uplink
transmission and downlink reception and to achieve high bit rates.
A high-order modulation scheme requires that networks have better channel
conditions and that both the gNodeB and the UEs support the modulation
scheme.

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Modulation Schemes Feature Parameter Description 4 Basic Modulation Schemes
4 Basic Modulation Schemes
4.1 Principles
Basic modulation schemes include UL π/2-BPSK, UL/DL QPSK, UL/DL 16QAM, and
UL/DL 64QAM. These modulation schemes have no parameter switches and are
enabled by default. The gNodeB selects appropriate modulation schemes during
scheduling for uplink and downlink transmission based on channel conditions.
4.2 Network Analysis
4.2.1 Benefits
UL π/2-BPSK, UL/DL QPSK, UL/DL 16QAM, and UL/DL 64QAM are basic
modulation schemes and will be used as the baseline for evaluating the
performance of other modulation schemes.
4.2.2 Impacts
Network Impacts
Higher-order modulation schemes produce higher spectral efficiency and boost
system capacity. However, they are more complicated to implement, provide
narrower coverage, and are less resistant to interference.
Function Impacts
None
4.3 Requirements
4.3.1 Licenses
None

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4.3.2 Software
Prerequisite Functions
None
Mutually Exclusive Functions

None
4.3.3 Hardware
Base Station Models
● 3900 and 5900 series base stations. 3900 series base stations must be
configured with the BBU3910.
● DBS3900 LampSite and DBS5900 LampSite. DBS3900 LampSite must be
Boards
All NR-capable main control boards and baseband processing units support this
function. To learn which main control boards and baseband processing units are
NR-capable, see the related BBU technical specifications in 3900 & 5900 Series
Base Station Product Documentation.
RF Modules
This function does not depend on RF modules.
4.3.4 Others
UEs must support corresponding modulation schemes.
4.4 Operation and Maintenance
4.4.1 Data Configuration

This feature is a basic feature. It is enabled by default and does not require data
configuration.
4.4.2 Activation Verification

Observe the values of the counters related to basic modulation schemes. If any of
the counters related to a modulation scheme returns a non-zero value, the
modulation scheme has taken effect.
● Counters related to UL π/2-BPSK
– N.UL.SCH.HalfPiBPSK.TB
– N.UL.SCH.HalfPiBPSK.TB.Retrans

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– N.UL.SCH.HalfPiBPSK.ErrTB.Rbler
● Counters related to UL QPSK
– N.UL.SCH.QPSK.TB
– N.UL.SCH.QPSK.TB.Retrans
– N.UL.SCH.QPSK.ErrTB.Rbler
● Counters related to DL QPSK
– N.DL.SCH.QPSK.TB
– N.DL.SCH.QPSK.TB.Retrans
– N.DL.SCH.QPSK.ErrTB.Rbler
● Counters related to UL 16QAM
– N.UL.SCH.16QAM.TB
– N.UL.SCH.16QAM.TB.Retrans
– N.UL.SCH.16QAM.ErrTB.Rbler
● Counters related to DL 16QAM
– N.DL.SCH.16QAM.TB
– N.DL.SCH.16QAM.TB.Retrans
– N.DL.SCH.16QAM.ErrTB.Rbler
● Counters related to UL 64QAM
– N.UL.SCH.64QAM.TB
– N.UL.SCH.64QAM.TB.Retrans
– N.UL.SCH.64QAM.ErrTB.Rbler
● Counters related to DL 64QAM
– N.DL.SCH.64QAM.TB
– N.DL.SCH.64QAM.TB.Retrans
– N.DL.SCH.64QAM.ErrTB.Rbler
4.4.3 Network Monitoring

This is a basic function and takes effect by default. Network monitoring is not
involved.

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Modulation Schemes Feature Parameter Description 5 DL 256QAM
5 DL 256QAM
This function is supported only in low frequency bands, but not in high frequency
bands.
5.1 Principles
DL 256QAM
DL 256QAM is an enhancement to downlink basic modulation schemes. This
function is controlled by the NRDUCellAlgoSwitch.Dl256QamSwitch parameter.
DL 256QAM is suitable when networks have good channel conditions in the
downlink and it is supported by the UEs on the network.
Adaptation Between DL 256QAM MCS Index Table and DL 64QAM MCS

Index Table
Adaptation between DL 256QAM MCS index table and DL 64QAM MCS index
table is an enhancement to downlink basic modulation schemes. This function is
controlled by the DL_MCS_TABLE_ADAPT_SW option of the
NRDUCellPdsch.DLLinkAdaptAlgoSwitch parameter. For cell-edge UEs, MCS
index determination in DL 256QAM is less accurate than that in DL 64QAM. After
this function is enabled, MCS index tables can be adapted between DL 256QAM
and DL 64QAM:
● If the network has a good downlink quality, the gNodeB selects the MCS
index table of DL 256QAM for UEs that support 256QAM to improve
downlink spectral efficiency, thereby increasing downlink throughput for the
UEs.
● If the network has a relatively poor downlink quality, the gNodeB selects the
MCS index table of DL 64QAM to maintain an appropriate downlink spectral
efficiency for UEs with a low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), thereby improving
downlink throughput for the UEs.
For details about MCS index tables of DL 256QAM and DL 64QAM, see section
5.1.3.1 "Modulation order and target code rate determination" of 3GPP TS 38.214
V15.4.0.

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5.2.1 Benefits
DL 256QAM
DL 256QAM provides the following improvements over downlink basic modulation
schemes:
● Increased downlink spectral efficiency for UEs near the cell center, increasing
downlink throughput
● Increased cell peak throughput in the downlink
● Reduced network load and lowered downlink PRB utilization
(N.PRB.DL.Used.Avg/N.PRB.DL.Avail.Avg) given the same traffic volume
It is recommended that DL 256QAM be enabled when good radio environments
are present, as indicated by that DL 64QAM has reached its upper limit of
performance (for example, the proportion of time with MCS index reaching 28 in
the downlink exceeds 30%, as indicated by the value of N.ChMeas.PDSCH.MCS.28
divided by the sum of N.ChMeas.PDSCH.MCS.0 throughout
N.ChMeas.PDSCH.MCS.31 being greater than 30%, in full 24 hours). Under such
conditions, the improvement can vary from 0% to 30%. If the preceding conditions
are not met, enabling this function does not produce negative improvement.
Adaptation Between DL 256QAM MCS Index Table and DL 64QAM MCS

Index Table
Adaptation between DL 256QAM MCS index table and DL 64QAM MCS index
table achieves MCS index table adaptation, allowing for a higher downlink
throughput than that obtained with the MCS index table fixed for downlink
modulation.
It is recommended that adaptation between DL 256QAM MCS index table and DL
64QAM MCS index table be enabled when complicated radio environments are
present, as indicated by that DL 64QAM has reached its upper limit of
performance and that MCS indexes are scattered (for example,
N.ChMeas.PDSCH.MCS.28 divided by the sum of N.ChMeas.PDSCH.MCS.0
throughout N.ChMeas.PDSCH.MCS.31 is greater than 10% and the sum of
N.ChMeas.PDSCH.MCS.0 throughout N.ChMeas.PDSCH.MCS.15 divided by the
sum of N.ChMeas.PDSCH.MCS.0 throughout N.ChMeas.PDSCH.MCS.31 is greater
than 30%, in full 24 hours). Under such conditions, the improvement can vary
from 0% to 30%. If the preceding conditions are not met, enabling this function
does not produce negative improvement.
5.2.2 Impacts
Network Impacts

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narrower coverage, and are less resistant to interference while leading to slightly
increased retransmission rates.
Given the same MCS index, data transmitted by the gNodeB with DL 256QAM
MCS index table is more than that with DL 64QAM MCS index table in cell-center
areas. Therefore, for the same amount of data to be transmitted, the average MCS
index will decrease slightly after DL 256QAM is enabled.
Depending on UE's weight types and channel conditions, the average number of
layers when DL 256QAM is used is likely to decrease as compared to that when DL
64QAM is used.
Depending on UE's service characteristics (such as data packet's interval and size),
the CCE utilization (N.CCE.Used.Avg/N.CCE.Avail.Avg) and number of scheduling
times when DL 256QAM is used may change as compared to that when DL
64QAM is used.
Function Impacts
Function Name Function Switch Reference Remarks
LTE and NR Power LTE_NR_DYN_PO LTE and NR Power When DL

Sharing WER_SHARING_S Sharing 256QAM-capable
W option of the UEs are scheduled
NRDUCellAlgoSw in a timeslot on
itch.DynPowerSh the NR side, NR
aringSwitch does not use the
parameter power shared by
LTE.

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Function Name Function Switch Reference Remarks
High-speed NRDUCell.HighS High Speed It is

Railway Superior peedFlag Mobility recommended
Experience that adaptation
between DL
256QAM MCS
index table and
DL 64QAM MCS
index table be
disabled for high-
speed cells
because UEs
move at high
speeds and MCS
index adaptation
is difficult to
perform.
In high-speed
railway scenarios,
256QAM MCS
index table is
recommended (by
setting the
NRDUCellAlgoSw
itch.Dl256QamS
witch parameter
to ON). In a
specific scenario,
check whether the
configuration
needs to be
optimized based
on the SINR and
MCS distribution.
5.3 Requirements
5.3.1 Licenses
Feature ID Feature Name Model Sales Unit
FOFD-010050 DL 256QAM NR0S0DUQAM00 Per Cell

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5.3.2 Software
None

None
5.3.3 Hardware
Base Station Models

Boards
RF Modules
5.3.4 Others
● UEs must support corresponding modulation schemes.
● Cells cannot be supplementary uplink (SUL) cells. This is because SUL cells do
not have downlink channels and do not support DL 256QAM or adaptation
between DL 256QAM MCS index table and DL 64QAM MCS index table.
5.4.1.1 Data Preparation

Table 5-1 describes the parameters used for function activation. No parameters
are involved in function optimization.

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Table 5-1 Parameters used for activation
Parameter Parameter ID Option Setting Notes

Name
Downlink NRDUCellAlgoSwi None Turn on this switch.

256QAM Switch tch.Dl256QamSwi
tch
DL Link NRDUCellPdsch.D DL_MCS_TABL Select this option.
Adaptation LLinkAdaptAlgoS- E_ADAPT_SW
Algorithm witch
Switch
5.4.1.2 Using MML Commands
Activation Command Examples

//Enabling DL 256QAM
MOD NRDUCELLALGOSWITCH: NrDuCellId=0, Dl256QamSwitch=ON;
//Enabling adaptation between DL 256QAM MCS index table and DL 64QAM MCS index table
MOD NRDUCELLPDSCH: NrDuCellId=0, DLLinkAdaptAlgoSwitch=DL_MCS_TABLE_ADAPT_SW-1;
Optimization Command Examples

N/A
Deactivation Command Examples

//Disabling DL 256QAM
MOD NRDUCELLALGOSWITCH: NrDuCellId=0, Dl256QamSwitch=OFF;
//Disabling adaptation between DL 256QAM MCS index table and DL 64QAM MCS index table
MOD NRDUCELLPDSCH: NrDuCellId=0, DLLinkAdaptAlgoSwitch=DL_MCS_TABLE_ADAPT_SW-0;
5.4.1.3 Using the MAE-Deployment

For detailed operations, see MAE-Deployment-based Feature Configuration.

Observe the values of the counters related to DL 256QAM. If any of the counters
returns a non-zero value, DL 256QAM has taken effect.
● N.DL.SCH.256QAM.TB
● N.DL.SCH.256QAM.TB.Retrans
● N.DL.SCH.256QAM.ErrTB.Rbler

Compare the total volume of downlink data sent at the MAC layer in a cell
(N.ThpVol.DL.Cell) obtained before and after this function is enabled to obtain
the improvement in the cell.

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Improvement (%) = N.ThpVol.DL.Cell obtained after the function is enabled/

(N.ThpVol.DL.Cell obtained before the function is enabled – 1) x 100%

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Modulation Schemes Feature Parameter Description 6 UL 256QAM (Trial)
6 UL 256QAM (Trial)
This function is supported only in low frequency bands, but not in high frequency
bands.
6.1 Principles
UL 256QAM
UL 256QAM is an enhancement to uplink basic modulation schemes. This function
is enabled by setting the NRDUCellAlgoSwitch.Ul256QamSwitch parameter to
UL_256QAM_FIXED. UL 256QAM is suitable when networks have good channel
conditions in the uplink and it is supported by the UEs on the network.
Adaptation Between UL 256QAM MCS Index Table and UL 64QAM MCS

Index Table
Adaptation between UL 256QAM MCS index table and UL 64QAM MCS index
table is an enhancement to uplink basic modulation schemes. This function is
enabled by setting the NRDUCellAlgoSwitch.Ul256QamSwitch parameter to
UL_256QAM_ADAPT. For cell-edge UEs, MCS index determination in UL 256QAM
is less accurate than that in UL 64QAM. After this function is enabled, MCS index
tables can be adapted between UL 256QAM and UL 64QAM:
● If the network has a good uplink quality, the gNodeB selects the MCS index
table of UL 256QAM for UEs that support 256QAM to improve uplink spectral
efficiency, thereby increasing uplink throughput for the UEs.
● If the network has a relatively poor uplink quality, the gNodeB selects the
MCS index table of UL 64QAM to maintain an appropriate uplink spectral
efficiency for UEs with a low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), thereby improving
uplink throughput for the UEs.
For details about MCS index tables of UL 256QAM and UL 64QAM, see section
6.1.4.1 "Modulation order and target code rate determination" of 3GPP TS 38.214
V15.4.0.

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6.2.1 Benefits
UL 256QAM
UL 256QAM provides the following improvements over uplink basic modulation
schemes:
● Increased uplink spectral efficiency for UEs near the cell center, increasing
uplink throughput
● Increased cell peak throughput in the uplink
● Reduced network load and lowered uplink PRB utilization
(N.PRB.UL.Used.Avg/N.PRB.UL.Avail.Avg) given the same traffic volume
It is recommended that UL 256QAM be enabled when good radio environments

are present, as indicated by that UL 64QAM has reached its upper limit of
performance (for example, the proportion of time with MCS index reaching 28 in
the uplink exceeds 30%, as indicated by the value of N.ChMeas.PUSCH.MCS.28
divided by the sum of N.ChMeas.PUSCH.MCS.0 throughout
N.ChMeas.PUSCH.MCS.31 being greater than 30%, in full 24 hours). Under such
conditions, the improvement can vary from 0% to 30%.
Adaptation Between UL 256QAM MCS Index Table and UL 64QAM MCS

Index Table
Adaptation between UL 256QAM MCS index table and UL 64QAM MCS index
table achieves MCS index table adaptation, allowing for a higher uplink
throughput than that obtained with the MCS index table fixed for uplink
modulation.
It is recommended that adaptation between UL 256QAM MCS index table and UL

64QAM MCS index table be enabled when complicated radio environments are
present, as indicated by that UL 64QAM has reached its upper limit of
performance and that MCS indexes are scattered (for example,
N.ChMeas.PUSCH.MCS.28 divided by the sum of N.ChMeas.PUSCH.MCS.0
throughout N.ChMeas.PUSCH.MCS.31 is greater than 10% and the sum of
N.ChMeas.PUSCH.MCS.0 throughout N.ChMeas.PUSCH.MCS.15 divided by the
sum of N.ChMeas.PUSCH.MCS.0 throughout N.ChMeas.PUSCH.MCS.31 is greater
than 30%, in full 24 hours). Under such conditions, the improvement can vary
from 0% to 30%.
6.2.2 Impacts
Network Impacts
narrower coverage, and are less resistant to interference.
Enabling adaptation between UL 256QAM MCS index table and UL 64QAM MCS
index table triggers switching between 256QAM and 64QAM MCS index tables. If
the SINR fluctuates greatly, ping-pong handovers may occur, increasing signaling
overhead.

(2020-01-20)
5G RAN
Function Impacts
NR TDD in low frequency bands:
Function Function Switch Reference Remarks

Name
High- NRDUCell.HighSpee High Speed It is recommended that

speed dFlag Mobility adaptation between UL
Railway 256QAM MCS index table
Superior and UL 64QAM MCS
Experience index table be disabled
for high-speed cells
because UEs move at
high speeds and MCS
index adaptation is
difficult to perform.
In tunnel scenarios,
64QAM MCS index table
is recommended (by
setting the
NRDUCellAlgoSwitch.Ul
256QamSwitch
parameter to
UL_256QAM_OFF). In
other high-speed railway
scenarios, 256QAM MCS
index table is
recommended (by setting
the
NRDUCellAlgoSwitch.Ul
256QamSwitch
parameter to
UL_256QAM_FIXED). In a
specific scenario, check
whether the configuration
needs to be optimized
based on the SINR and
MCS distribution.
NR TDD in high frequency bands: None

NR FDD in low frequency bands: None
6.3 Requirements
6.3.1 Licenses
There are currently no license requirements for trial features. For details, see 2.1
General Statements.

(2020-01-20)
5G RAN
6.3.2 Software
None

None
6.3.3 Hardware
Base Station Models
Boards
RF Modules
6.3.4 Others
UEs must support corresponding modulation schemes.
6.4.1.1 Data Preparation

Table 6-1 describes the parameters used for function activation. No parameters
are involved in function optimization.

(2020-01-20)
5G RAN
Table 6-1 Parameters used for activation
Parameter Name Parameter ID Setting Notes
Uplink 256QAM NRDUCellAlgoSwitch.U Set this parameter to

Switch l256QamSwitch UL_256QAM_FIXED or
UL_256QAM_ADPT based
on network conditions.
6.4.1.2 Using MML Commands
Activation Command Examples

//Enabling UL 256QAM
MOD NRDUCELLALGOSWITCH: NrDuCellId=0, Ul256QamSwitch=UL_256QAM_FIXED;
//Enabling adaptation between UL 256QAM MCS index table and UL 64QAM MCS index table
MOD NRDUCELLALGOSWITCH: NrDuCellId=0, Ul256QamSwitch=UL_256QAM_ADAPT;
Optimization Command Examples

N/A
Deactivation Command Examples

//Disabling UL 256QAM
MOD NRDUCELLALGOSWITCH: NrDuCellId=0, Ul256QamSwitch=UL_256QAM_OFF;
//Disabling adaptation between UL 256QAM MCS index table and UL 64QAM MCS index table
MOD NRDUCELLALGOSWITCH: NrDuCellId=0, Ul256QamSwitch=UL_256QAM_OFF;
6.4.1.3 Using the MAE-Deployment

For detailed operations, see MAE-Deployment-based Feature Configuration.

Observe the values of the counters related to UL 256QAM. If any of the counters
returns a non-zero value, UL 256QAM has taken effect.
● N.UL.SCH.256QAM.TB
● N.UL.SCH.256QAM.TB.Retrans
● N.UL.SCH.256QAM.ErrTB.Rbler

Compare the total volume of uplink data received at the MAC layer in a cell
(N.ThpVol.UL.Cell) obtained before and after this function is enabled to obtain
the improvement in the cell.
Improvement (%) = N.ThpVol.UL.Cell obtained after the function is enabled/

(N.ThpVol.UL.Cell obtained before the function is enabled – 1) x 100%

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5G RAN
Modulation Schemes Feature Parameter Description 7 Parameters
7 Parameters
The following hyperlinked EXCEL files of parameter reference match the software
version with which this document is released.
● Node Parameter Reference: contains device and transport parameters.
● gNodeBFunction Parameter Reference: contains all parameters related to
radio access functions, including air interface management, access control,
mobility control, and radio resource management.
You can find the EXCEL files of parameter reference for the software version used on the
live network from the product documentation delivered with that version.
FAQ: How do I find the parameters related to a certain feature from

parameter reference?
Step 1 Open the EXCEL file of parameter reference.

Step 2 On the Parameter List sheet, filter the Feature ID column. Click Text Filters and
choose Contains. Enter the feature ID, for example, FBFD-020100.
Step 3 Click OK. All parameters related to the feature are displayed.
----End

(2020-01-20)
5G RAN
Modulation Schemes Feature Parameter Description 8 Counters
8 Counters
The following hyperlinked EXCEL files of performance counter reference match the
software version with which this document is released.
● Node Performance Counter Summary: contains device and transport counters.
● gNodeBFunction Performance Counter Summary: contains all counters related
to radio access functions, including air interface management, access control,
mobility control, and radio resource management.
You can find the EXCEL files of performance counter reference for the software version used
on the live network from the product documentation delivered with that version.
FAQ: How do I find the counters related to a certain feature from

performance counter reference?
Step 1 Open the EXCEL file of performance counter reference.

Step 2 On the Counter Summary(En) sheet, filter the Feature ID column. Click Text
Filters and choose Contains. Enter the feature ID, for example, FBFD-020100.
Step 3 Click OK. All counters related to the feature are displayed.
----End

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5G RAN
Modulation Schemes Feature Parameter Description 9 Glossary
9 Glossary
For the acronyms, abbreviations, terms, and definitions, see Glossary.

(2020-01-20)
5G RAN
Modulation Schemes Feature Parameter Description 10 Reference Documents
10 Reference Documents
● MIMO
● 3GPP TS 38.214: "NR; Physical layer procedure for data"
● 3GPP TS 38.211: "NR; Physical channels and modulation"
● 3GPP TS 38.104: "NR; Base Station (BS) radio transmission and reception"
● Technical Specifications in 3900 & 5900 Series Base Station Product
Documentation

(2020-01-20)

Modulation Schemes (5G RAN3.1 - Draft A)

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Modulation Schemes Feature

HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.

Trademarks and Permissions

Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.

Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. i

2 About This Document.............................................................................................................3

Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. ii

Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. iii

This chapter describes changes not included in the "Parameters", "Counters",

1.1 5G RAN3.1 Draft A (2020-01-20)

Added UL 256QAM as a trial None ● 3900 and 5900

Changed the name of CME to None ● 3900 and 5900

Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 1

Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 2

2 About This Document

2.1 General Statements

● The technical principles of features and their related parameters

Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 3

2.2 Features in This Document

Feature ID Feature Name Section

FBFD-010008 Basic Modulation 4 Basic Modulation

FOFD-010050 DL 256QAM 5 DL 256QAM

FOFD-030215 UL 256QAM (Trial) 6 UL 256QAM (Trial)

2.3 Differences Between NR FDD and NR TDD

Basic Modulation None 4 Basic Modulation

DL 256QAM None 5 DL 256QAM

UL 256QAM (Trial) None 6 UL 256QAM (Trial)

2.4 Differences Between NSA and SA

Basic Modulation None 4 Basic Modulation

Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 4

Function Name Difference Section

DL 256QAM None 5 DL 256QAM

UL 256QAM (Trial) None 6 UL 256QAM (Trial)

2.5 Differences Between High Frequency Bands and

Function Name Difference Section

Basic Modulation This function is 4 Basic Modulation

DL 256QAM This function is 5 DL 256QAM

UL 256QAM (Trial) This function is 6 UL 256QAM (Trial)

Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 5

In digital communications systems, modulation is the process of varying the

The modulation schemes presented in this document are 3GPP-defined basic

In digital modulation, each symbol carries bits, where N is the number of

Modulation Scheme Number of Bits over One Symbol

Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 6

A higher-order modulation scheme modulates more bits of information into each

Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 7

4 Basic Modulation Schemes

4.2 Network Analysis

Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 8

Mutually Exclusive Functions

4.4 Operation and Maintenance

4.4.1 Data Configuration

4.4.2 Activation Verification

Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 9

4.4.3 Network Monitoring

Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 10

Adaptation Between DL 256QAM MCS Index Table and DL 64QAM MCS

Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 11

5.2 Network Analysis

Adaptation Between DL 256QAM MCS Index Table and DL 64QAM MCS

Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 12

LTE and NR Power LTE_NR_DYN_PO LTE and NR Power When DL