Throughput Optimization in Multi-Numerology 5G NR Non-Terrestrial Networks

One of the main features of 5G NR networks is the introduction of different use-cases involving both broadband and narrowband communication with varying throughput and latency requirements. The flexible numerology defined in the standard makes it possible to accommodate the needs of such heterogeneous applications. This requires efficient optimization strategies for assignment of numerology to each user in the network while ensuring fair access to the time-frequency resources. Due to the larger Doppler shift expected in non-terrestrial networks (NTN), there is a greater need to analyze the performance of different numerologies for varying link conditions. The work presented here focuses on evaluating the inter-carrier and inter-symbol interference (ICI and ISI) of 5G NR numerologies with focus on NTN specific parameters and analyzing its impact on individual user and network throughput. The insights from the numerology and resource block apportionment are useful for overall network planning, bandwidth part definition and spectrum management.