Nokia · 10.5.4.1

Nokia requires single-stage DCI for common signaling search spaces and proposes RAN1 clarify the problem statement and evaluate drawbacks of two-stage DCI before design discussions. They require fallback DCI formats and only a single configurable non-fallback DCI format for single-cell PUSCH/PDSCH scheduling, opposing the need for ‘compact’ DCI formats 0_2/1_2. They propose studying RRC-configured DCI sizes to prevent BWP-related size ambiguities and configured DCI size alignment instead of hard-coded NR rules. They propose prioritizing SSSG switching over PDCCH skipping as the baseline PDCCH monitoring adaptation for UE power saving. They propose studying PDCCH detection feedback techniques as part of the PDSCH HARQ feedback framework to improve DL control reliability.

Nokia proposes reducing the number of DCI format types for 6G compared to NR by eliminating compact DCI formats 0_2/1_2 and instead making the baseline non-fallback DCI formats 0_1/1_1 more configurable through flexible DCI field sizes such as FDRA granularity. They propose studying RRC-configured DCI sizes for USS to prevent DCI size ambiguities during BWP switching, and advocate replacing NR's hard-coded DCI size alignment procedure with configurable alignment to reduce blind decoding requirements. Nokia supports studying mechanisms for reliable DL control during bandwidth switching operation, including common PDCCH candidates across different bandwidth assumptions and aligned DCI sizes. They propose studying PDCCH detection feedback techniques within the PDSCH HARQ feedback framework to address missed DL assignments impacting adaptive DL HARQ operation, and require support for PDCCH repetitions for increased reliability.