Modulation Schemes

Contents
4.1.7 Modulation Schemes

5G RAN
Modulation Schemes Feature Parameter
Description
Issue 01
Date 2020-04-07
 HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.

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4.1.7 Contents
1 Change History
1.1 5G RAN3.1 01 (2020-04-07)
1.2 5G RAN3.1 Draft A (2020-01-20)

2 About This Document

2.1 General Statements
2.2 Features in This Document
2.3 Differences Between NR FDD and NR TDD
2.4 Differences Between NSA and SA
2.5 Differences Between High Frequency Bands and Low Frequency Bands

3 Overview

4 Basic Modulation Schemes

4.1 Principles
4.2 Network Analysis
4.2.1 Benefits
4.2.2 Impacts
4.3 Requirements
4.3.1 Licenses
4.3.2 Software
4.3.3 Hardware
4.3.4 Others
4.4 Operation and Maintenance
 4.4.1 Data Configuration
4.4.2 Activation Verification
4.4.3 Network Monitoring

5 DL 256QAM
5.1 Principles
5.2 Network Analysis
5.2.1 Benefits
5.2.2 Impacts
5.3 Requirements
5.3.1 Licenses
5.3.2 Software
5.3.3 Hardware
5.3.4 Others
5.4 Operation and Maintenance
5.4.1 Data Configuration
5.4.1.1 Data Preparation
5.4.1.2 Using MML Commands
5.4.1.3 Using the MAE-Deployment
5.4.2 Activation Verification
5.4.3 Network Monitoring

6 UL 256QAM (Trial)
6.1 Principles
6.2 Network Analysis
6.2.1 Benefits
6.2.2 Impacts
6.3 Requirements
6.3.1 Licenses
6.3.2 Software
6.3.3 Hardware
6.3.4 Others
6.4 Operation and Maintenance
6.4.1 Data Configuration
6.4.1.1 Data Preparation
6.4.1.2 Using MML Commands
6.4.1.3 Using the MAE-Deployment
6.4.2 Activation Verification
6.4.3 Network Monitoring

7 Parameters

8 Counters
 9 Glossary

10 Reference Documents

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 01 (2020-04-07)

This issue does not include any changes.

1.2 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 RAT Base Station Model

Added UL 256QAM as a trial feature. None Low- 3900 and 5900 series
For details, see 6 UL 256QAM (Trial). frequency base stations
TDD DBS3900 LampSite and
DBS5900 LampSite

Changed the name of CME to MAE- None FDD 3900 and 5900 series
Deployment. Low- base stations
frequency DBS3900 LampSite and
TDD DBS5900 LampSite
High-
frequency
TDD

Editorial Changes

None
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
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 Chapter/Section

FBFD-010008 Basic Modulation Schemes 4 Basic Modulation 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 Chapter/Section

Basic Modulation Schemes None 4 Basic Modulation Schemes

DL 256QAM None 5 DL 256QAM

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

2.4 Differences Between NSA and SA

Function Name Difference Chapter/Section

Basic Modulation Schemes None 4 Basic Modulation Schemes

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.

Function Name Difference Chapter/Section

Basic Modulation Schemes This function is supported in 4 Basic Modulation Schemes

both high and low frequency
bands, with the following
differences:
Both SA networking and NSA
networking are supported in
low frequency bands, but only
Function Name Difference Chapter/Section

NSA networking is supported

in high frequency bands.

DL 256QAM This function is supported only 5 DL 256QAM

in low frequency bands.

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

in low frequency bands.

3 Overview

In digital communications systems, modulation is the process of varying amplitude, phase, or

frequency of a carrier signal with a digital baseband signal. This allows 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 base station 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)
 UL/DL 64 Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (64QAM)
 UL/DL 256 Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (256QAM)
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 one symbol can carry for a given modulation scheme.
Table 3-1 Number of bits in one symbol for a given modulation scheme
Modulation Scheme Number of Bits per Symbol

π/2-BPSK 1

QPSK 2

16QAM 4
 Modulation Scheme Number of Bits per Symbol

64QAM 6

256QAM 8

A higher-order modulation scheme modulates more bits of information into each modulation
symbol, producing an improved 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 a 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 poor channel quality, the base station
instructs UEs to use the low-order modulation scheme π/2-BPSK or QPSK for uplink
transmission and the low-order modulation scheme QPSK for downlink reception to
meet service quality requirements.
 When UEs are in radio environments with good channel quality, the base station
instructs UEs to use a high-order QAM modulation scheme for uplink transmission
and downlink reception, to achieve high bit rates.
A high-order modulation scheme requires that networks have better channel conditions and that
both the base station and the UEs support the modulation scheme.

4 Basic Modulation Schemes

4.1 Principles

UL π/2-BPSK, UL/DL QPSK, UL/DL 16QAM, and UL/DL 64QAM are all basic modulation
schemes. They are not under switch control and are enabled by default. The gNodeB selects an
appropriate UL or DL modulation scheme for each UE based on the UL or DL channel quality of
the UE during scheduling.
4.2 Network Analysis
 4.2.1 Benefits

UL π/2-BPSK, UL/DL QPSK, UL/DL 16QAM, and UL/DL 64QAM are all basic functions and
are 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
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 configured with the
BBU3910.

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 function is a basic function and is enabled by default. No data configuration is required.
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

 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 function is a basic function and takes effect by default. Network monitoring is not required.

5 DL 256QAM

This function is supported only in low frequency bands, but not in high frequency bands.
5.1 Principles

DL 256QAM incorporates the following two functions:

 DL 256QAM
 Adaptation Between DL 256QAM MCS Index Table and DL 64QAM MCS Index
Table
The two functions can be enabled simultaneously. However, only adaptation between DL
256QAM MCS index table and DL 64QAM MCS index table takes effect if both functions are
enabled.

DL 256QAM

DL 256QAM is an enhanced downlink basic modulation scheme. This function is controlled by

the NRDUCellAlgoSwitch.Dl256QamSwitch parameter. This modulation scheme is then used for
DL 256QAM-capable UEs whose downlink channel conditions are favorable.

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 scheme. This function is controlled by the
DL_MCS_TABLE_ADAPT_SW option of the NRDUCellPdsch.DLLinkAdaptAlgoSwitch
parameter. For cel edge users (CEUs), 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. To be specific,
 If the downlink channel quality is favorable, the DL 256QAM MCS index table is
dynamically selected for DL 256QAM-capable UEs to improve downlink spectral
efficiency, thereby increasing downlink throughput for the UEs.
 If the downlink channel quality is relatively poor, the DL 64QAM MCS index table is
dynamically selected for UEs with a low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) to maintain an
appropriate downlink spectral efficiency, thereby improving downlink throughput for
the UEs.
 For details about the DL 256QAM MCS index table and DL 64QAM MCS index table, see
section 5.1.3.1 "Modulation order and target code rate determination" of 3GPP TS 38.214
V15.4.0.
5.2 Network Analysis

5.2.1 Benefits

DL 256QAM

DL 256QAM provides the following improvements over downlink basic modulation schemes:
 Increased downlink spectral efficiency for cell center users (CCUs) to provide higher
downlink throughput for these CCUs and improved peak downlink throughput in a
cell given different traffic volume before and after this function is enabled
 Reduced network load and lowered downlink PRB utilization given the same traffic
volume before and after this function is enabled
It is recommended that DL 256QAM be enabled when good radio environments are present, as
indicated when DL 64QAM has reached its performance upper limit (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 to 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 given different traffic
volume and lower downlink PRB utilization given the same traffic volume 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
when DL 64QAM has reached its performance upper limit and when MCS indexes are scattered
(for example, N.ChMeas.PDSCH.MCS.28 divided by the sum of N.ChMeas.PDSCH.MCS.0 to
N.ChMeas.PDSCH.MCS.31 is greater than 10% and the sum of N.ChMeas.PDSCH.MCS.0 to
N.ChMeas.PDSCH.MCS.15 divided by the sum of N.ChMeas.PDSCH.MCS.0 to 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

Higher-order modulation schemes deliver higher spectral efficiency and boost system capacity.
However, they are more complicated to implement, provide narrower coverage, and are less
resistant to interference while leading to slightly increased retransmission rates.
 Given the same MCS index, more data can be transmitted by the gNodeB with DL 256QAM
MCS index table than 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 be less than 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 are likely to be different from those when DL 64QAM is used.
Enabling adaptation between DL 256QAM MCS index table and DL 64QAM MCS index table
triggers switching between 256QAM and 64QAM MCS index tables. If the SINR fluctuates
greatly, ping-pong switchovers may occur, increasing signaling overheads.

Function Impacts

RAT Function Function Switch Referen Remarks

Name ce

FDD LTE and LTE_NR_DYN_POWER_SHARIN LTE and When DL 256QAM-capable

NR G_SW option of the NR UEs are scheduled in a
Low- Power
frequen power NRDUCellAlgoSwitch.DynPowerSh Sharing timeslot on the NR side, NR
cy TDD sharing aringSwitch parameter does not use the power
shared by LTE.

Low- High- NRDUCell.HighSpeedFlag High It is recommended that

frequen speed Speed adaptation between DL
Mobility
cy TDD Railway (Low- 256QAM MCS index table and
Superior Frequen DL 64QAM MCS index table
Experien cy TDD) be disabled for high-speed
ce cells because UEs move at
high speeds and MCS index
table adaptation is difficult to
perform.
In high-speed railway
scenarios, the 256QAM MCS
index table is recommended
(by setting the
NRDUCellAlgoSwitch.Dl256Q
amSwitch parameter to ON). In
a specific scenario, whether
the configuration needs to be
optimized depends 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

5.3.2 Software

Prerequisite Functions

None

Mutually Exclusive Functions

None
5.3.3 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 configured with the
BBU3910.

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.

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 Operation and Maintenance

5.4.1 Data Configuration

5.4.1.1 Data Preparation

describes the parameters used for function activation. No parameters are involved in
Table 5-1
function optimization.
Table 5-1 Parameters used for activation
 Parameter Parameter ID Option Setting
Name Notes

Downlink NRDUCellAlgoSwitch.Dl256QamSwitch None Turn on

256QAM this
Switch switch.

DL Link NRDUCellPdsch.DLLinkAdaptAlgoSwitch DL_MCS_TABLE_ADAPT_SW Select

Adaptation this
Algorithm option.
Switch

5.4.1.2 Using MML Commands

Activation Command Examples

//Only making adaptation between DL 256QAM MCS index table and DL 64QAM MCS
index table take effect when both DL 256QAM and adaptation between DL 256QAM
MCS index table and DL 64QAM MCS index table are enabled
//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

Not involved

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 Feature Configuration Using the MAE-Deployment.

5.4.2 Activation Verification

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
 5.4.3 Network Monitoring

Compare the total volume of downlink data transmitted by the MAC layer in a cell
(N.ThpVol.DL.Cell) or downlink PRB utilization (N.PRB.DL.Used.Avg/N.PRB.DL.Avail.Avg) obtained
before and after this function is enabled to obtain improvements in the cell.

6 UL 256QAM (Trial)

This function is supported only in low frequency bands, but not in high frequency bands.
6.1 Principles

UL 256QAM incorporates the following two functions:

 UL 256QAM
 Adaptation Between UL 256QAM MCS Index Table and UL 64QAM MCS Index
Table
The two functions cannot both be enabled, namely, only one of them can be enabled.

UL 256QAM

UL 256QAM is an enhanced uplink basic modulation scheme. This function is enabled by

setting the NRDUCellAlgoSwitch.Ul256QamSwitch parameter to UL_256QAM_FIXED. This
modulation scheme is then used for UL 256QAM-capable UEs whose uplink channel conditions
are favorable.

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 scheme. This function is enabled by setting the
NRDUCellAlgoSwitch.Ul256QamSwitch to UL_256QAM_ADAPT. For cel edge users (CEUs),
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.
To be specific,
 If the uplink channel quality is favorable, the UL 256QAM MCS index table is
dynamically selected for UL 256QAM-capable UEs to improve uplink spectral
efficiency, thereby increasing uplink throughput for the UEs.
 If the uplink channel quality is relatively poor, the UL 64QAM MCS index table is
dynamically selected for UEs with a low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) to maintain an
appropriate uplink spectral efficiency, thereby improving uplink throughput for the
UEs.
 For details about the UL 256QAM MCS index table and UL 64QAM MCS index table, see
section 6.1.4.1 "Modulation order and target code rate determination" of 3GPP TS 38.214
V15.4.0.
6.2 Network Analysis

6.2.1 Benefits

UL 256QAM

UL 256QAM provides the following improvements over uplink basic modulation schemes:
 Increased uplink spectral efficiency for cell center users (CCUs) to provide higher
uplink throughput for these CCUs and improved peak uplink throughput in a cell
given different traffic volume before and after this function is enabled
 Reduced network load and lowered uplink PRB utilization given the same traffic
volume before and after this function is enabled
It is recommended that UL 256QAM be enabled when good radio environments are present, as
indicated when UL 64QAM has reached its performance upper limit (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 to 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 given different traffic
volume and lower uplink PRB utilization given the same traffic volume 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
when UL 64QAM has reached its performance upper limit and when MCS indexes are scattered
(for example, N.ChMeas.PUSCH.MCS.28 divided by the sum of N.ChMeas.PUSCH.MCS.0 to
N.ChMeas.PUSCH.MCS.31 is greater than 10% and the sum of N.ChMeas.PUSCH.MCS.0 to
N.ChMeas.PUSCH.MCS.15 divided by the sum of N.ChMeas.PUSCH.MCS.0 to 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

Higher-order modulation schemes deliver higher spectral efficiency and boost system capacity.
However, they are more complicated to implement, provide narrower coverage, and are less
resistant to interference while leading to slightly increased retransmission rates.
 Given the same MCS index, more data can be transmitted by the gNodeB with UL 256QAM
MCS index table than with UL 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 UL
256QAM is enabled.
The UE transmit power when UL 256QAM is used is likely to be larger than that when another
modulation scheme 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 UL 256QAM
is used are likely to be different from those when UL 64QAM is used.
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 switchovers may occur, increasing signaling overheads.

Function Impacts

RAT Function Function Switch Referen Remarks

Name ce

Low- High- NRDUCell.HighSpeedFlag High It is recommended that

frequen speed Speed adaptation between UL 256QAM
Mobility
cy TDD Railway (Low- MCS index table and UL 64QAM
Superior Frequenc MCS index table be disabled for
Experien y TDD) high-speed cells because UEs
ce move at high speeds and MCS
index table adaptation is difficult
to perform.
In tunnel high-speed railway
scenarios, the 64QAM MCS
index table is recommended (by
setting the
NRDUCellAlgoSwitch.Ul256Qam
Switch parameter to
UL_256QAM_OFF). In other
high-speed railway scenarios, the
256QAM MCS index table is
recommended (by setting the
NRDUCellAlgoSwitch.Ul256Qam
Switch parameter to
UL_256QAM_FIXED). In a
specific scenario, whether the
configuration needs to be
optimized depends on the SINR
and MCS distribution.
 RAT Function Function Switch Referen Remarks
Name ce

Low- UL CoMP INTRA_GNB_UL_COMP_SW CoMP UL CoMP cannot be performed

frequen option of the (Low- for UEs using UL 256QAM.
Frequenc
cy TDD NRDUCellAlgoSwitch.CompS y TDD)
witch parameter

FDD None None None None

6.3 Requirements

6.3.1 Licenses

There are currently no license requirements for trial features. For details, see 2.1 General
Statements.

6.3.2 Software

Prerequisite Functions

None

Mutually Exclusive Functions

None
6.3.3 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 configured with the
BBU3910.

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.

6.3.4 Others

UEs must support corresponding modulation schemes.

6.4 Operation and Maintenance
 6.4.1 Data Configuration

6.4.1.1 Data Preparation

describes the parameters used for function activation. No parameters are involved in
Table 6-1
function optimization.
Table 6-1 Parameters used for activation
Parameter Name Parameter ID Setting Notes

Uplink 256QAM Switch NRDUCellAlgoSwitch.Ul256QamSwitch Set this parameter to

UL_256QAM_FIXED or
UL_256QAM_ADPT based on
network conditions.

6.4.1.2 Using MML Commands

Activation Command Examples

//Enabling UL 256QAM or adaptation between UL 256QAM MCS index table and UL

64QAM MCS index table based on radio network conditions
//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

Not involved

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 Feature Configuration Using the MAE-Deployment.

6.4.2 Activation Verification

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

6.4.3 Network Monitoring

Compare the total volume of uplink data received by the MAC layer in a cell (N.ThpVol.UL.Cell) or
uplink PRB utilization (N.PRB.UL.Used.Avg/N.PRB.UL.Avail.Avg) obtained before and after this
function is enabled to obtain improvements in the cell.

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?
1. Open the EXCEL file of parameter reference.
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.
3. Click OK. All parameters related to the feature are displayed.

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?
1. Open the EXCEL file of performance counter reference.
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.
3. Click OK. All counters related to the feature are displayed.

9 Glossary

For the acronyms, abbreviations, terms, and definitions, see Glossary.

10 Reference Documents

 LTE and NR Power Sharing

 High Speed Mobility (Low-Frequency TDD)

 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