Data detection and decoding with considerations for channel estimation errors due to guard subbands

An apparatus comprising:

• at least one processor configured to obtain received pilot symbols for a plurality of pilot subbands and received data symbols for a plurality of data subbands, to derive channel estimates based on the received pilot symbols and at least one zero for at least one zeroed-out pilot subband not used for pilot transmission, to perform data detection on the received data symbols with the channel estimates to obtain data symbol estimates, to derive estimates of noise and estimation errors due to the at least one zeroed-out pilot subband, and to compute log likelihood ratios (LLRs) based on the data symbol estimates, the channel estimates, and the estimates of the noise and estimation errors;
• and
• a memory operatively coupled to the at least one processor.

A method of processing data for transmission, comprising:

• deriving estimates of noise and estimation errors due to at least one pilot subband being zeroed-out and not used for pilot transmission;
• and
• computing log likelihood ratios (LLRs) using the estimates of the noise and estimation errors.

An apparatus comprising:

• means for deriving estimates of noise and estimation errors due to at least one pilot subband being zeroed-out and not used for pilot transmission;
• and
• means for computing log likelihood ratios (LLRs) using the estimates of the noise and estimation errors.