Advanced Downlink Multi-User MIMO Mid-Band

3/30/23, 5:20 PM Advanced Downlink Multi-User MIMO Mid-Band
Feature Description 137/221 04-LZA 701 6017/1 Uen U23G
Advanced Downlink Multi-User MIMO Mid-Band

Contents
Overview
Dependencies
Feature Operation
Operational Process of Advanced Downlink Multi-User MIMO Mid-Band
Deployment Scenarios of Advanced Downlink Multi-User MIMO Mid-Band
Network Impact
Parameters
Performance
Activate the Feature
Deactivate the Feature
Appendix: Feature Change History
Appendix: AIR 1652 Support for Advanced Downlink Multi-User MIMO Mid-Band
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1 Advanced Downlink Multi-User MIMO Mid-Band Overview

The feature improves the downlink multi-user MIMO capability of the gNodeB. Advanced beamforming can provide
increased benefits compared to codebook-based beamforming.
Feature Identity FAJ 121 5398

Value Package Name Massive MIMO Performance
Value Package Identity FAJ 801 4008
Node Type Baseband Radio Node
Access Type NR
Licensing Licensed feature. One license is required for each node.
Summary and Benefits

The Advanced Downlink Multi-User MIMO Mid-Band feature provides advanced beamforming capability to the gNodeB.
Advanced beamforming is reciprocity-based and it uses the SRS transmitted by the UEs.
The beams formed with this feature are UE-specific and the feature can mitigate the interference between the users better
than the codebook-based Downlink Multi-User MIMO Mid-Band feature. Since the interference between the UEs is
reduced, the gNodeB can transmit to several UEs at the same time, using the same physical resources. Each UE can receive
transmission over more than one MIMO layer.
L0003564A
Figure 1 Advanced Downlink Beams to Multiple Users
The feature can provide the following benefits if the radio conditions, the amount of data and the location of the UEs are
favorable:
– Improved downlink multi-user MIMO service performance
– Increased spectral efficiency
– Increased potential downlink cell throughput
Additional Information
More information about related topics can be found in the following documentation:
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– Downlink Multi-User MIMO Mid-Band
– 3GPP TS 38.211; NR; Physical Channels and Modulation, Release 15
– 3GPP TS 38.214; NR; Physical Layer Procedures for Data, Release 15, section 6.2.1.2.
– 3GPP TS 38.331; NR; Radio Resource Control (RRC) Protocol Specification, Release 15
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2 Dependencies of Advanced Downlink Multi-User MIMO Mid-

Band
The feature dependencies of the prerequisite Advanced Downlink Single-User MIMO Mid-Band feature apply here as
well. The feature requires NR Mid-Band AAS radios with special considerations towards the required number of eCPRI
ports.
Table 1 Feature Dependencies
Feature Relationship Description

The Advanced Downlink Multi-User MIMO Mid-
Band feature can only be activated if the
Advanced Downlink Single-User MIMO feature
is activated and enabled on the gNodeB.
Otherwise, the Configuration Requires
Feature Activation alarm is raised.
Both features use SRS for channel estimation.
The SRS reconfiguration of a UE is handled by
Advanced Downlink Single-User MIMO Mid-
Prerequisite the Advanced Downlink Single-User MIMO Mid-
Band (FAJ 121 5262)
Band feature.
If both features are activated, the gNodeB uses
advanced single-user MIMO or advanced multi-
user MIMO based on the number of SRS-
capable UEs scheduled with date in the same
downlink slot. If more than one UE needs data
in the same downlink slot, the gNodeB might
use multi-user MIMO.
The Downlink Data and DMRS Multiplexing
Downlink Data and DMRS Multiplexing (FAJ feature is not used for paired UEs in either
Related
121 5336) codebook-based or advanced downlink multi-
user-MIMO.
The two features can be enabled together so
UEs without SRS configured can still be
candidates for codebook-based downlink multi-
user MIMO. The gNodeB determines when to
use advanced or codebook-based multi-user
MIMO based on the following factors:
Downlink Multi-User MIMO Mid-Band (FAJ 121
Related – Site configuration
5130)
– The channel condition of each UE
– The specific configuration of each UE

Codebook-based multi-user MIMO service is
provided by the Downlink Multi-User MIMO
Mid-Band feature.
Hardware
The feature requires NR Mid-Band AAS radios with eCPRI. Mid-Band AAS radios with 16, 32 or 64 antennas are supported.
The feature also supports the same Baseband units as the Massive MIMO Mid-Band feature. For more information, see
Radio Node Configurations.
The required bandwidth on eCPRI links for the Baseband unit increases with the number of layers used in the cell. For
example, to support the maximum number of downlink layers that the feature provides for a cell of 100-MHz bandwidth,
more than 10 Gbps is needed between the radio unit and the Baseband unit. The required bandwidth on eCPRI links can
be calculated with the CPRI and eCPRI Capacity calculation tool.
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Limitations
Baseband 6630 supports up to six cells with the feature enabled.
Network Requirements
UEs capable of SRS transmission benefit from this feature. The UE sends SRS if the SRS-ResourceSet.usage RRC
parameter is set to the antennaSwitching value.
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3 Feature Operation of Advanced Downlink Multi-User MIMO

Mid-Band
With this feature, the gNodeB can use the SRS transmitted by the UEs in the uplink to improve PDSCH beamforming
and to coschedule up to eight UEs in the same downlink slot, using the same physical resources.
The feature takes advantage of the reciprocity of the TDD transmission. Reciprocity means that in a TDD cell, the same
frequency is used for downlink and uplink transmissions. The gNodeB uses the SRS transmitted by the UEs in the uplink for
downlink channel estimation, which is used for beamforming in the PDSCH. Beams based on SRS are more precise than the
beams based on codebook type-1.
Compared to the codebook-based Downlink Multi-User MIMO Mid-Band feature, the advanced feature provides higher
downlink throughput and better inter-layer interference mitigation. As a result, with the Advanced Downlink Multi-User
MIMO Mid-Band feature, the spatial separation between the UEs can be smaller. These differences are shown in Figure 2
and Figure 3.
L0002670B
Figure 2 Codebook-Based Downlink Beams to Multiple Users
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L0003564A
Figure 3 Advanced Downlink Beams to Multiple Users
The feature supports up to eight beam layers for advanced multi-user MIMO in 100-MHz bandwidth in at least one cell.
More than eight layers are supported only on units in RAN Compute Group 4 and higher. This capability is shared among all
the cells in the same gNodeB where this feature or the Advanced Downlink Single-User MIMO Mid-Band feature is enabled.
3.1 Operational Process of Advanced Downlink Multi-User MIMO Mid-Band
The UEs transmit SRS.
The gNodeB pairs the

UEs for advanced
multi-user MIMO.
The gNodeB determines

the downlink layers.
The gNodeB has downlink

data to transmit.
The gNodeB coschedules

data with the same
physical resources.
The gNodeB forms custom

beams to each UE.
L0003349A
Figure 4 Basic Operational Process
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1. The UEs transmit SRS.
2. The gNodeB evaluates the UEs with SRS configured as candidates for advanced multi-user MIMO.
3. The gNodeB determines the downlink layers to be used with multi-user MIMO based on the following criteria:
– The maximum number of layers for each UE configured in the system that can be used for multi-user MIMO.
– The quality of the channel from each sounded port
– The rank indicator from the UE
– The value of the NRCellDU.maxNoOfAdvancedDlMuMimoLayers attribute
4. The gNodeB has downlink data to transmit to the UEs.
5. The gNodeB coschedules the data for the UEs in the same downlink slot, using the same physical resources.
6. The gNodeB forms custom beams to each coscheduled UE for the PDSCH transmission.
Sometimes, it might be better to use advanced single-user MIMO with a UE configured with SRS. The following factors
determine when the gNodeB chooses multi-user MIMO over single-user MIMO:
– PRB utilization is high in the cell.
– The amount of downlink data to be transmitted to the UE is considered high.
– The estimated downlink throughput with multi-user MIMO is larger than with single-user MIMO.
Additional Information
For more information about the SRS reconfiguration of the UE, see Advanced Downlink Single-User MIMO Mid-Band.
For more information about codebook-based MIMO, see the following Feature Descriptions:
– Massive MIMO Mid-Band
– Downlink Multi-User MIMO Mid-Band
3.2 Deployment Scenarios of Advanced Downlink Multi-User MIMO Mid-Band

The benefits of the feature are most observable in sites with the following characteristics:
– Sites with high load to favor the multi-user MIMO pairing opportunities.
– Sites where UE mobility is limited.

Note: Compared to codebook-based beamforming, advanced beamforming is in general more sensitive to the UE
speed due to the aging channel estimates.
– Sites where the inter-site distances are close.
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4 Network Impact of Advanced Downlink Multi-User MIMO Mid-

Band
The feature can improve the average downlink cell throughput with advanced beamforming.
Capacity and Performance

The feature increases spectral efficiency. As a result, the feature makes it possible to achieve higher downlink throughput in
the cell.
Interfaces
SRS resources are configured for UEs capable of SRS in good enough channel conditions with an RRCReconfiguration
message.
Other Network Elements

No impact.
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5 Parameters for Advanced Downlink Multi-User MIMO Mid-

Band
The feature uses MO attributes that control advanced downlink MIMO and the configuration of SRS in the cell. All the
MO attribute requirements of the prerequisite Advanced Downlink Single-User MIMO Mid-Band feature apply here as
well.
Table 2 Parameters
Parameter Type Description

This attribute is used to enable the
Advanced Downlink Single-User
NRCellDU.advancedDlSuMimoEnabled Affecting
MIMO Mid-Band feature, which is
a prerequisite for this feature.
This attribute must have a
NRCellDU.maxNoOfAdvancedDlMuMimoLayers Introduced different value than 0 to enable
the feature in the cell.
See MOM description and RAN
NRCellDU.pZeroNomSrs Affected Parameter Recommendations
Lists.
This attribute allows the
configuration of full-band or half-
band SRS. If the attribute is set to
HALF, half-band SRS is used,
which allows the UE to transmit
SRS with increased coverage. Full-
NRCellDU.srsHoppingBandwidth Affecting
band SRS uses one uplink OFDM
symbol in a special slot, while half-
band SRS uses two. The SRS
capacity of the cell is the same
with both the half-band and the
fullband configurations.
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6 Performance of Advanced Downlink Multi-User MIMO Mid-

Band
When the feature is used in favorable circumstances, the values of downlink cell throughput KPIs can increase.
KPIs
The feature provides the greatest benefits if several SRS-capable UEs in good channel conditions need downlink service at
the same time. In these circumstances, the values of the following KPIs increase:
– Average DL MAC Cell Throughput
– Average DL MAC DRB Throughput
The magnitude of the increase in the KPI values depends on the following factors:
Factor Description
The feature provides the greatest benefits if several UEs are
Channel conditions
in good enough channel conditions.
The feature provides the greatest benefits if the UEs are
Movement of the UEs
stationary, or only slowly moving.
If there is a high number of SRS-capable UEs in the cell, this
Number of SRS-capable UEs in the cell feature is more likely to be utilized. As a result, it is more
likely that a KPI increase can be observed.
The closer the UEs are to each other, the higher the
Spatial separation between the UEs
interference.
If a high number of UEs need a large amount of data at the
same time in the cell, this feature is more likely to be utilized.
UE traffic profiles
As a result, it is more likely that a KPI increase can be
observed.
Table 3 Performance Indicators
Performance Description Formula

Indicator
Shows the number of SRS resources
used for advanced beamforming
SRS Utilization
from the available SRS resources for
advanced beamforming.
MU-MIMO
Average
Advanced Shows the number of SRS resources
Beamforming used for advanced beamforming in
Downlink PDSCH from the Resource Block
Resource Block Symbols available in the downlink.
Symbol
Utilization
MU-MIMO
Average Shows the number of SRS resources
Advanced used for advanced beamforming in
Beamforming PDSCH from the Resource Block
PDSCH Resource Symbols available that are only used
Block Symbol for PDSCH.
Utilization
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Counters
– NRCellDU.pmMacRBSymUsedPdschAdvMuMimoLayerDistr
Bin index 0 is not pegged for this counter.
– NRCellDU.pmMacRBSymUsedPdschAdvMuMimoTxRankDistr
– NRCellDU.pmMacRBSymUsedPdschAdvMimoUserDistr
Bins indexes 1–7 might be pegged if the feature is enabled.
Events
This feature has no associated events.
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7 Activate Advanced Downlink Multi-User MIMO Mid-Band

To use the feature, it must be activated following the usual feature activation procedure. After that, it must be enabled
with an MO attribute.
Prerequisites
– The Advanced Downlink Single-User MIMO Mid-Band feature is activated.
– The NRCellDU.advancedDlSuMimoEnabled attribute is set to true.
– The license key is installed in the node.
– CCTR is active for at least one week before this procedure to collect enough troubleshooting data.
Steps
1. Set the FeatureState.featureState attribute to ACTIVATED in the FeatureState=CXC4012590 MO instance.
To enable the feature in a cell:
2. Set the NRCellDU.maxNoOfAdvancedDlMuMimoLayers attribute to a different value than 0.
After This Task

Keep CCTR active for at least one week after this procedure for continued collection of troubleshooting data.
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8 Deactivate Advanced Downlink Multi-User MIMO Mid-Band

If the feature is no longer needed, it can be deactivated following the usual feature deactivation procedure. It must also
be deactivated before the activation of any conflicting feature.
Prerequisites
– CCTR is active for at least one week before this procedure to collect enough troubleshooting data.
Steps
1. Set the FeatureSate.featureState attribute to DEACTIVATED in the FeatureState=CXC4012590 MO instance.
To disable the feature in a cell:
2. Set the NRCellDU.maxNoOfAdvancedDlMuMimoLayers attribute to 0.
Note: When this MO attribute is set to 0, only the advanced multi-user MIMO layers are affected and the advanced
single-user MIMO layers are not affected.
After This Task

Keep CCTR active for at least one week after this procedure for continued collection of troubleshooting data.
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Appendix A: Feature Change History

This section lists changes that affected this feature and the impact it had on the network.
Appendix A.a: AIR 1652 Support for Advanced Downlink Multi-User MIMO Mid-
Band
This feature enhancement enables the Advanced Downlink Multi-User MIMO Mid-Band feature on AIR 1652.
Feature Name Advanced Downlink Multi-User MIMO Mid-Band

Feature Identity FAJ 121 5398
Value Package Name Massive MIMO Performance
Value Package Identity FAJ 801 4008
Node Type Baseband Radio Node
Access Type NR
Impact at Upgrade Optional
Summary and Benefits

This feature enhancement provides the following benefits:
– A better performance in NR downlink beamforming.
– Multi-User MIMO allows higher total throughput than Single-User MIMO.
Capacity and Performance

No impact.
Operation
No impact.
Interfaces
No impact.
Hardware
This feature enhancement requires an AIR 1652 TDD radio.
Other Network Elements

No specific network requirements.
Related Information
Advanced Downlink Multi-User MIMO Mid-Band
Legal | © Ericsson AB 2022, 2023
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Copyright © Ericsson AB 2022, 2023. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced in any form without
the written permission of the copyright owner.
Disclaimer The contents of this document are subject to revision without notice due to continued progress in methodology,
design and manufacturing. Ericsson shall have no liability for any error or damage of any kind resulting from the
use of this document.
Trademarks All trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners. These are shown in the document
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3/30/23, 5:20 PM Advanced Downlink Multi-User MIMO Mid-Band

Feature Description 137/221 04-LZA 701 6017/1 Uen U23G

1 Advanced Downlink Multi-User MIMO Mid-Band Overview

Feature Identity FAJ 121 5398

Summary and Benefits

Figure 1 Advanced Downlink Beams to Multiple Users

– Improved downlink multi-user MIMO service performance

– Increased spectral efficiency

– Increased potential downlink cell throughput

– Downlink Multi-User MIMO Mid-Band

– 3GPP TS 38.211; NR; Physical Channels and Modulation, Release 15

2 Dependencies of Advanced Downlink Multi-User MIMO Mid-

Table 1 Feature Dependencies

Feature Relationship Description

– The specific configuration of each UE

3 Feature Operation of Advanced Downlink Multi-User MIMO

Figure 2 Codebook-Based Downlink Beams to Multiple Users

Figure 3 Advanced Downlink Beams to Multiple Users

3.1 Operational Process of Advanced Downlink Multi-User MIMO Mid-Band

The UEs transmit SRS.

The gNodeB pairs the

The gNodeB determines

The gNodeB has downlink

The gNodeB coschedules

The gNodeB forms custom

Figure 4 Basic Operational Process

1. The UEs transmit SRS.

– The quality of the channel from each sounded port

– The rank indicator from the UE

– The value of the NRCellDU.maxNoOfAdvancedDlMuMimoLayers attribute

4. The gNodeB has downlink data to transmit to the UEs.

– PRB utilization is high in the cell.

– The amount of downlink data to be transmitted to the UE is considered high.

– Massive MIMO Mid-Band

– Downlink Multi-User MIMO Mid-Band

3.2 Deployment Scenarios of Advanced Downlink Multi-User MIMO Mid-Band

– Sites where UE mobility is limited.

– Sites where the inter-site distances are close.

4 Network Impact of Advanced Downlink Multi-User MIMO Mid-

Capacity and Performance

Other Network Elements

5 Parameters for Advanced Downlink Multi-User MIMO Mid-

Table 2 Parameters

Parameter Type Description

6 Performance of Advanced Downlink Multi-User MIMO Mid-

– Average DL MAC Cell Throughput

– Average DL MAC DRB Throughput

Table 3 Performance Indicators

Performance Description Formula

7 Activate Advanced Downlink Multi-User MIMO Mid-Band

– The Advanced Downlink Single-User MIMO Mid-Band feature is activated.

– The NRCellDU.advancedDlSuMimoEnabled attribute is set to true.

– The license key is installed in the node.

1. Set the FeatureState.featureState attribute to ACTIVATED in the FeatureState=CXC4012590 MO instance.

To enable the feature in a cell:

2. Set the NRCellDU.maxNoOfAdvancedDlMuMimoLayers attribute to a different value than 0.

After This Task

8 Deactivate Advanced Downlink Multi-User MIMO Mid-Band

1. Set the FeatureSate.featureState attribute to DEACTIVATED in the FeatureState=CXC4012590 MO instance.

To disable the feature in a cell:

2. Set the NRCellDU.maxNoOfAdvancedDlMuMimoLayers attribute to 0.

After This Task