On the use of Generalized DFT-s-OFDM to reduce Inter-Numerology Interference in 5G-NR networks

OFDM systems with a cyclic prefix (CP-OFDM) are the basic waveform in fifth-generation New Radio (5G-NR) mobile networks, with their Discrete Fourier Transform precoded version (DFT-s-OFDM) as an alternative in Peak to Average Ratio (PAPR) limited scenarios. Since 5G-NR networks use multiple numerologies, it is known that this introduces a novel non-orthogonality in the system, which causes Inter-Numerology Interference (INI). The present work presents an alternative to the use of a cyclic prefix, through the usage of the Generalized-Discrete Fourier Transform-spread-Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (G-DFT-s-OFDM) waveform. We show that this waveform significantly reduces the INI in 5G-NR networks.