Method and apparatus for adaptive bandwidth operation

Abstract

The network node (12) schedules the wireless communication device (14) to utilize a sub-segment (54) of the previously configured active bandwidth portion (46). The wireless communication device (14) utilizes the sub-segment (54) to perform operations such as monitoring control signaling from the network node (12), channel measurements, and / or communications (e.g., uplink and / or downlink traffic) between the wireless communication device (14) and the network node (12). Thus, the wireless communication device (14) can reduce power consumption by not monitoring and / or not using a wider bandwidth.

Description

[0001] Related application data

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Swedish patent application No. 1830269-5, filed on September 28, 2018, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The technology of the present disclosure relates generally to wireless communications in a network environment, and more particularly, to methods and apparatus for adaptive bandwidth operation. Background Art

[0004] The demand for data services on wireless communication systems continues to grow. Due to the widespread commercialization of fourth generation (4G) wireless systems such as the Long Term Evolution (LTE) system or the Advanced LTE (LTE-A) system standardized by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), the next generation of wireless systems are being developed. Once such a system is proposed by 3GPP, such a system is the fifth generation (5G) or new radio (NR) wireless system.

[0005] The NR system (the first version of which was specified during 3GPP Release 15) is a communication protocol for enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) that allows for large frequency band allocations, high-order modulation, and advanced multi-antenna solutions. However, from the perspective of the user equipment (UE), the system design may result in relatively high power consumption. Specifically, since the UE may be required to handle large bandwidths, many different connections, beams, etc., the UE power consumption may increase when the UE is in connected mode. Therefore, solutions that exploit opportunities to reduce power consumption are beneficial in NR systems as well as other wireless communication systems. Summary of the invention

[0006] The disclosed method provides adaptive bandwidth utilization for wireless communication devices (e.g., UE) in a wireless communication system to reduce power consumption. Specifically, when the wireless communication device is in a connected state (e.g., RRC_CONNECTED), the technology described herein can reduce power consumption. The network node can schedule the wireless communication device to utilize a subsection of a previously configured bandwidth. The wireless communication device uses the subsection for operations such as monitoring control signaling from the network node, channel measurement, and / or communication between the wireless communication device and the network node (e.g., uplink and / or downlink traffic). Therefore, the wireless communication device can reduce power consumption by not monitoring and / or not using a wider bandwidth (e.g., the full bandwidth configured for the device).

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for adaptive bandwidth operation performed by a network node of a wireless communication system includes the following steps: scheduling a sub-segment of an active bandwidth portion allocated to a wireless communication device for use by the wireless communication device; and signaling the allocation of the sub-segment of the active bandwidth portion to the wireless communication device.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the method comprises the step of initially configuring the wireless communication device with one or more bandwidth portions, wherein at least one bandwidth portion is the active bandwidth portion.

[0009] According to another embodiment, the method comprises the step of signaling the initial configuration of the active bandwidth portion to the wireless communication device.

[0010] According to another embodiment, the method comprises the step of determining that the wireless communication device is capable of operating within a reduced bandwidth relative to the active bandwidth portion.

[0011] According to another embodiment of the method, the step of determining that the wireless communication device is capable of operating within the reduced bandwidth comprises evaluating traffic conditions associated with the wireless communication device.

[0012] According to another embodiment of the method, the traffic conditions include at least one of: packet arrival time or packet size; buffer status; amount of data to be transmitted between the wireless communication device and the network node; and / or required quality of service level (such as latency or data rate).

[0013] According to another embodiment of the method, the step of determining that the wireless communication device is capable of operating within the reduced bandwidth includes identifying that the wireless communication device has not utilized the active bandwidth portion for a predetermined period of time.

[0014] According to another embodiment, the method comprises the following steps: determining that the wireless communication device operating within the subsegment of the active bandwidth portion should operate using a larger subsegment of the active bandwidth portion; scheduling the wireless communication device to use the larger subsegment of the active bandwidth portion; and signaling the scheduling of the larger subsegment to the wireless communication device.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the method, said larger sub-segment of said bandwidth portion comprises the entire active bandwidth portion.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the method, the sub-segment of the active bandwidth portion is equal to a search space of the wireless communication device.

[0017] According to another embodiment of the method, the sub-segment of the active bandwidth portion is different from a search space of the wireless communication device.

[0018] According to another embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: receiving a signal from the wireless communication device, the signal providing auxiliary information related to bandwidth utilization; and determining whether the wireless communication device should operate within the subsegment of the active bandwidth portion based on the auxiliary information.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the method, the sub-segment of the active bandwidth portion utilizes a different numerology than the active bandwidth portion.

[0020] According to another embodiment, the method comprises the step of configuring the sub-segment of the bandwidth portion according to one of a plurality of predetermined configurations.

[0021] According to another embodiment, the method comprises the step of signaling the allocation of said sub-segment of said bandwidth, or signaling the scheduling of said larger sub-segment, on a control channel.

[0022] According to another embodiment, the method comprises the step of allocating a plurality of sub-segments of the active bandwidth portion to the wireless communication device, wherein the plurality of sub-segments have different characteristics.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a wireless network node in a communication system includes: a wireless interface, through which wireless communication with a wireless communication device is performed on multiple bandwidth portions of a system bandwidth configured respectively for each wireless communication device; and a control circuit, which is configured to adaptively configure the bandwidth utilization of the wireless communication device, wherein the control circuit enables the network node to: identify conditions indicating that the wireless communication device is capable of operating within a reduced bandwidth; schedule subsegments of an active bandwidth portion utilized by the wireless communication device; and signal the allocation of the subsegments of the active bandwidth portion to the wireless communication device.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the network node, the control circuit further causes the network node to initially configure the wireless communication device using one or more bandwidth portions, wherein at least one bandwidth portion is the active bandwidth portion.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the network node, the control circuit further causes the network node to signal the initial configuration of the active bandwidth portion to the wireless communication device.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the network node, the condition comprises at least one of: packet arrival time or packet size; buffer status; amount of data to be transmitted between the wireless communication device and the network node; and / or required waiting time or required data rate for the data to be transmitted.

[0027] According to another embodiment of the network node, the control circuit further causes the network node to identify that the wireless communication device has not utilized the active bandwidth portion for a predetermined period of time.

[0028] According to another embodiment of the network node, the control circuit also causes the network node to: determine that the wireless communication device operating within the subsegment of the active bandwidth portion should switch to operating within a larger subsegment of the active bandwidth portion; schedule the wireless communication device to utilize the larger subsegment of the active bandwidth portion; and signal the scheduling of the larger subsegment to the wireless communication device.

[0029] According to another embodiment of the network node, the larger sub-segment of the active bandwidth portion comprises the entire active bandwidth portion.

[0030] According to another embodiment of the network node, the control circuit also causes the network node to: receive a signal from the wireless communication device, the signal providing auxiliary information related to bandwidth utilization; and determine based on the auxiliary information whether the wireless communication device should operate within the subsegment of the active bandwidth portion or within a larger bandwidth.

[0031] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for a wireless communication device to perform adaptive bandwidth operation includes the following steps: receiving a signal from a network node of a wireless communication system to utilize a subsegment of a configured active bandwidth portion; and performing at least one of a measurement operation, a monitoring operation, and a data communication operation within the subsegment of the configured active bandwidth portion.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the method, the subsegment of the configured active bandwidth portion is the only bandwidth used by the wireless communication device for the following operations: monitoring control signaling from the network node; performing channel measurements; or sending data to the network node and / or receiving data from the network node.

[0033] According to another embodiment, the method comprises the step of sending assistance information to the network node, wherein the assistance information indicates a preference to activate or deactivate reduced bandwidth operation within the sub-segment of the configured active bandwidth portion.

[0034] According to another embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: periodically measuring channel quality over the entire configured active bandwidth portion; and reporting the measured channel quality to the network node.

[0035] According to another embodiment, the method comprises the steps of receiving a signal from a network node to switch from utilizing the sub-segment of the configured active bandwidth portion to the entire configured active bandwidth portion; and performing operations within the entire configured active bandwidth portion.

[0036] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a wireless communication device includes: a wireless interface, through which wireless communication with a network node is performed within an active bandwidth portion; and a control circuit, which is configured to control the wireless communication device, wherein the control circuit configures the wireless communication device to: receive a signal from the network node to utilize a subsegment of the active bandwidth portion; and perform at least one of a measurement operation, a monitoring operation, and a data communication operation within the subsegment of the active bandwidth portion.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the wireless communication device, the control circuit further causes the wireless communication device to utilize only the sub-segment of the active bandwidth to: monitor control signaling from the network node; perform channel measurements; or send data and / or receive data from the network node.

[0038] According to another embodiment of the wireless communication device, the control circuit further causes the wireless communication device to send assistance information to the network node, wherein the assistance information indicates a preference to activate or deactivate reduced bandwidth operation within the subsegment of the active bandwidth portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Figure 1 It is a schematic block diagram of a network communication system that implements adaptive bandwidth utilization for wireless communications.

[0040] Figure 2 is formed Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of an electronic device that is part of a network communication system.

[0041] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary configuration of a bandwidth portion according to an aspect.

[0042] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a technique for adaptively configuring bandwidth utilization into subsegments of a configured bandwidth.

[0043] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Schematic diagram of an exemplary configuration of bandwidth subsegments.

[0044] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 Schematic diagram of an exemplary configuration of bandwidth subsegments.

[0045] Figure 7 is a flow chart of a representative method for adaptive bandwidth utilization of a configured bandwidth portion by a wireless communication device.

[0046] Figure 8 is a flow chart of a representative method for configuring a UE for adaptive bandwidth utilization of a configured bandwidth.

[0047] Fig. 9 is a signaling diagram of an exemplary process for configuring adaptive bandwidth operation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] introduce

[0049] Embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout the text. It will be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Features described and / or illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be used in the same manner or in a similar manner in one or more other embodiments, and / or in combination or alternatively with features of other embodiments.

[0050] Various embodiments of the system and method for adaptive bandwidth utilization in a wireless communication system are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. A network node of a wireless communication system can configure a UE with multiple bandwidth portions, which are smaller portions of a carrier bandwidth or a total system bandwidth. At a given time, the UE can utilize one such bandwidth portion (which is called an active bandwidth portion). Although the active bandwidth portion may be smaller than the carrier bandwidth, the active bandwidth portion may still exceed the requirements of the UE at any given time. Therefore, the network node can dynamically adjust the bandwidth utilization of the UE within the active bandwidth portion without specifically reassigning or reconfiguring the UE to a different bandwidth portion.

[0051] System Architecture

[0052] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary network communication system 10 for implementing the disclosed techniques. It will be understood that the illustrated communication system is representative and that other systems may be used to implement the disclosed techniques. The exemplary network system 10 includes a network node 12, also referred to as a base station 12, which operates according to a cellular protocol (such as a protocol published by 3GPP or another standard). For example, the network system 10 may operate according to the LTE, LTE-A, or 5G NR standards. However, it will be understood that the techniques described herein may be applied to substantially any wireless or wired communication system to achieve dynamic bandwidth utilization within an allocated bandwidth without explicit reconfiguration.

[0053] The network communication system 10 of the illustrated example supports a cellular protocol, which may include circuit switching network technology and / or packet switching network technology. The network communication system 10 includes a Figure 1 14a to 14n (e.g., UE or wireless communication device). The base station 12 may support communication between the electronic device 14 and a network medium 16, through which the electronic device 14 may communicate with other electronic devices 14, servers, devices on the Internet, and the like. The base station 12 may be an access point, an evolved NodeB (eNB) in a 4G network, a next generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G or NR network, or another network node. As used herein, the term "base station" may generally refer to any device or network node that serves a user device and enables or facilitates communication between the user device and the network medium, and therefore includes the specific examples above and other supporting network nodes, depending on the network implementation.

[0054] The network communication system 10 may be a system such as an NR system, which assigns user equipment to utilize a smaller bandwidth portion than the total system bandwidth. The smaller portion may be referred to as a bandwidth portion. For example, in an NR system, a bandwidth portion consists of a set of consecutive physical resource blocks (PRBs). In addition to the default bandwidth portion, the user equipment may be configured with up to 3 bandwidth portions. The default bandwidth portion is a bandwidth portion that includes system information, such as a synchronization signal block (SSB). Such system information may include, but is not limited to, a primary synchronization signal (PSS), a secondary synchronization signal (SSS), a broadcast channel (BCH), and the like. Typically, system information is broadcast information for purposes including, but not limited to, notifying the device of time alignment (e.g., synchronization signal) for understanding the start and end positions of a frame, a frame number for understanding the time position within the sequence in which the system is currently running, cell-specific information (e.g., cell identity, cell configuration, etc.), cell-specific parameter configuration of the device, paging indicators, and the like.

[0055] The carrier bandwidth in an NR system can be wide (e.g., 1 GHz). The bandwidth portion (e.g., a portion of the NR carrier bandwidth) may still be relatively wide and may be on the order of hundreds of megahertz. A user device may utilize one configured bandwidth portion at a time, and the utilized bandwidth portion may be referred to as an active bandwidth portion. Depending on the traffic conditions, the entire active bandwidth portion may not be required. In such a case, the user device may be dynamically adjusted to utilize the reduced bandwidth within the active bandwidth portion without specifically reassigning or reconfiguring the user device to a different alternative bandwidth portion. Such dynamic or adaptive adjustment may provide additional power savings for the user device.

[0056] The base station 12 can configure the electronic device 14 to utilize the reduced bandwidth. The reduced bandwidth can be a sub-segment of the active bandwidth portion assigned to the electronic device 14. In order to introduce power savings, the electronic device 14 only needs to monitor the sub-segment for data exchange for both control signaling and data traffic. In addition, the electronic device 14 can limit the measurement to the sub-segment. In actual effect, the bandwidth of the electronic device 14 is dynamically limited to the bandwidth of the sub-segment of the active bandwidth portion. The electronic device 14 can also reduce the sampling rate to further reduce power consumption.

[0057] The base station 12 may activate or deactivate reduced bandwidth operation by scheduling the electronic device 14 with a dynamic bandwidth allocation that may include an active bandwidth portion (e.g., normal operation) or a sub-segment of the active bandwidth portion (e.g., reduced bandwidth operation). To signal the allocation, the base station 12 may indicate the size of the sub-segment of the active bandwidth portion as a direct size indication or a fraction of the active bandwidth portion, or by reference to a predefined size (e.g., a predetermined configuration from a set of possible configurations or sizes).

[0058] As described herein, activation or deactivation determinations may be based on data traffic conditions, buffer status, and / or time-based criteria. In addition, the electronic device 14 may send auxiliary information to the base station 12 to facilitate decisions regarding dynamic bandwidth utilization. For example, the electronic device 14 may indicate a bandwidth preference when sending a scheduling request. The indication may specify a subsegment of the active bandwidth portion or the entire active bandwidth portion that is desired to be utilized. The base station 12 may utilize this information in the scheduling request when determining a corresponding scheduling grant.

[0059] As described herein, the base station 12 can dynamically adjust the bandwidth utilization of the electronic device 14 to achieve reduced power consumption. In addition to the general wireless communication and other functions of the base station 12, the base station 12 can also include an operating component for activating and deactivating operations during the reduced bandwidth mode described herein. For example, the base station 12 may include a control circuit 18, which is responsible for all operations of the base station 12 (including controlling the base station 12 to perform operations described in more detail below). The control circuit 18 includes a processor 20 that executes code 22 (such as an operating system and / or other applications). The functions described in this disclosure document can be implemented as part of the code 22 or as part of other dedicated logic operations of the base station 12. The logical functions and / or hardware of the base station 12 can be implemented in other ways according to the nature and configuration of the base station 12. Therefore, the illustrated and described methods are only examples, and other methods can be used, including but not limited to the control circuit 18 being implemented as or including hardware (e.g., a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a central processing unit (CPU), etc.) or a combination of hardware and software (e.g., a system on a chip (SoC), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.).

[0060] The code 22 and any stored data (e.g., data associated with the operation of the base station 12) may be stored on the memory 24. The code may be embodied in the form of an executable logic routine (e.g., a software program) that is stored as a computer program product on a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., the memory 24) of the base station 12 and executed by the processor 20. The functions described as being performed by the base station 12 may be considered to be methods performed by the base station 12.

[0061] For example, the memory 24 may be one or more of a buffer, flash memory, a hard drive, a removable medium, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a random access memory (RAM), or other suitable devices. In a typical arrangement, the memory 24 includes non-volatile memory for long-term data storage and volatile memory used as system memory for the control circuit 18. The memory 24 is considered to be a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0062] The base station 12 includes communication circuitry that enables the base station 12 to establish various communication connections. For example, the base station 12 may have a network communication interface 26 for communicating with the network medium 16. Moreover, the base station 12 may have a wireless interface 28 through which wireless communications are performed with the electronic device 14, including the dynamic bandwidth allocation described herein. The wireless interface 28 may include radio circuitry having one or more radio frequency transceivers (also referred to as modems), at least one antenna assembly, and any appropriate tuners, impedance matching circuits, and any other components required for the various supported frequency bands and radio access technologies.

[0063] The electronic devices 14 served by the base station 12 may be user equipment (also referred to as user devices or UEs), wireless communication devices, or machine type devices. Exemplary electronic devices 14 include, but are not limited to, mobile wireless phones (such as "smart phones"), tablet computing devices, computers, devices using machine type communications, machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, or device-to-device (D2D) communications (e.g., sensors, machine controllers, appliances, etc.), cameras, media players, or any other device that wirelessly communicates with the base station 12.

[0064] like Figure 2As shown, each electronic device 14 may include operating components for performing wireless communications, adaptive bandwidth utilization described herein, and other functions of the electronic device 14. For example, among other components, each electronic device 14 may include a control circuit 30, which is responsible for all operations of the electronic device 14 (including controlling the electronic device 14 to perform operations described in more detail below). The control circuit 30 includes a processor 32 that executes code 34 (such as an operating system and / or other applications). The functions described in this disclosure document may be implemented as part of the code 34 or as part of other dedicated logic operations of the electronic device 14. The logical functions and / or hardware of the electronic device 14 may be implemented in other ways depending on the nature and configuration of the electronic device 14. Therefore, the illustrated and described methods are merely examples, and other methods may be used, including but not limited to the control circuit 30 being implemented as or including hardware (e.g., a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a central processing unit (CPU), etc.) or a combination of hardware and software (e.g., a system on a chip (SoC), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.).

[0065] The code 34 and any stored data (e.g., data associated with the operation of the electronic device 14) may be stored on the memory 36. The code 34 may be embodied in the form of an executable logic routine (e.g., a software program) that is stored as a computer program product on a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., the memory 36) of the electronic device 14 and executed by the processor 32. The functions described as being performed by the electronic device 14 may be considered to be methods performed by the electronic device 14.

[0066] For example, the memory 36 may be one or more of a buffer, flash memory, a hard drive, a removable medium, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a random access memory (RAM), or other suitable devices. In a typical arrangement, the memory 36 includes non-volatile memory for long-term data storage and volatile memory used as system memory for the control circuit 30. The memory 36 is considered to be a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0067] The electronic device 14 includes communication circuitry that enables the electronic device 14 to establish various communication connections. For example, the electronic device 14 may have a wireless interface 38 through which to communicate wirelessly with the base station 12, including the dynamic bandwidth allocation process described herein. The wireless interface 38 may include radio circuitry having one or more radio frequency transceivers (also referred to as modems), at least one antenna assembly, and any appropriate tuners, impedance matching circuits, and any other components required for the various supported frequency bands and radio access technologies.

[0068] Other components of the electronic device 14 may include, but are not limited to, user inputs (e.g., buttons, keypads, touch surfaces, etc.), displays, microphones, speakers, cameras, sensors, sockets or electrical connectors, rechargeable batteries and power supply units, SIM cards, motion sensors (e.g., accelerometers or gyroscopes), GPS receivers, and any other appropriate components.

[0069] Dynamic Bandwidth Operation

[0070] The network communication system 10 can use dynamically adjusted bandwidth allocations for transmissions between the base station 12 and the electronic device 14. The base station 12 schedules bandwidth allocations for the electronic device 14 without reassigning or reconfiguring the bandwidth portion configuration. Specifically, the base station 12 can schedule the electronic device 14 to utilize a limited portion or sub-segment of the bandwidth portion. The electronic device 14 can perform monitoring and / or measurements (e.g., sending a sounding reference signal (SRS) and / or performing downlink channel measurements) within the sub-segment, and limit communications with the base station 12 to the sub-segment. Therefore, when dynamically configured, the electronic device 14 does not monitor a wider bandwidth that requires higher power consumption. However, periodically, an electronic device 14 operating at a reduced bandwidth (e.g., within a sub-segment of a bandwidth portion) can measure and report channel quality over a larger portion of the bandwidth portion or the entire bandwidth portion.

[0071] The triggering criteria for the reduced bandwidth operation can be time-based. For example, an electronic device 14 configured with a new active bandwidth portion can initially monitor the full bandwidth portion. After a predetermined time period, the electronic device 14 can reduce the monitored or utilized bandwidth to a sub-segment of the full bandwidth portion. The electronic device 14 can also send auxiliary information to the base station 12. For example, the electronic device 14 can include an indicator in the scheduling request to notify the base station 12 of the bandwidth preference (e.g., the expectation to use the entire bandwidth portion or a sub-segment thereof). The bandwidth preference can be based on the capabilities of the electronic device 14, the traffic conditions (e.g., packet arrival time, packet size), the buffer status, the required quality of service level (e.g., latency or data rate), etc.

[0072] For example, in an NR system, a bandwidth part may be assigned to a user equipment. A bandwidth part is a smaller portion of the bandwidth compared to the carrier bandwidth. A bandwidth part consists of a group of consecutive physical resource blocks. Figure 3 , which illustrates an exemplary schematic diagram of bandwidth part configuration. Figure 3 As shown, the UE (e.g., electronic device 14) can be configured to utilize smaller portions of the carrier bandwidth 40. These smaller portions include bandwidth portions 42-48 (BWP#1-BWP#4). According to an example, for an NR system, the carrier bandwidth 40 can be 1 GHz, and the bandwidth portions 42-48 can be about hundreds of megahertz.

[0073] Bandwidth parts 42-48 consist of a contiguous group of physical resource blocks 50. In addition to the default bandwidth part 44, the UE may be configured with up to three additional bandwidth parts. The default bandwidth part 44 includes the transmission of synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) from the network node. As described above, the SSBs include the PSS, SSS, and BCH. Although the UE may be configured with Figure 3 Bandwidth portions 42-48 are shown, but a UE may utilize one bandwidth portion at a time, which is referred to as the active bandwidth portion.

[0074] In order to reduce UE power consumption during connected mode (e.g., RRC_CONNECTED), the network node may dynamically adjust the UE to utilize a reduced bandwidth. Figure 4 , a sub-segment 54 of the active bandwidth portion 46 may be allocated to the UE. The sub-segment 54 represents the minimum bandwidth monitored, measured and / or utilized by the UE for data transmission with the network node. In practice, when operating in the reduced bandwidth mode, the bandwidth of the UE is limited to the sub-segment 54. The UE may also reduce the sampling rate to further reduce power consumption, especially during periods when it has no or little data to transmit. Figure 4 As shown, sub-segments 54 are introduced into the active bandwidth portion 46. A network node (e.g., a base station) may schedule the allocation of sub-segments 54 using signaling indicating the size of the sub-segments 54. The size of the sub-segment 54 may be specified as a fraction of the active bandwidth portion 46 or by indexing a predefined size in a set of predefined sizes (e.g., 5 MHz, 10 MHz, 15 MHz, 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, etc.).

[0075] According to further aspects, the network node may configure the UE with multiple versions of the subsegment 54. For example, one subsegment may be 10% of the bandwidth portion, while the second subsegment may be 50% of the bandwidth portion. In addition, the subsegment 54 may utilize a different set of parameters (e.g., different subcarrier spacing and / or symbol length) compared to the active bandwidth portion 46. In an NR system, different bandwidth portions may use different sets of parameters. This concept may be extended so that the signal within the subsegment 54 uses a different set of parameters compared to the signal sent within the entire bandwidth portion 46.

[0076] In an NR system, a bandwidth part includes a search space for control signal monitoring. For example, each configured bandwidth part may include at least one control resource set (CORESET) with a UE-specific search space (USS). The USS includes resources that the UE monitors to possibly receive control information destined for the UE. In the primary carrier, at least one configured bandwidth part includes a CORESET with a common search space (CSS). The UE monitors the CSS to possibly receive control information common to all UEs or destined for a specific UE. If the CORESET of the bandwidth part is not configured with a CSS, the UE is not required to monitor it to possibly receive control signals.

[0077] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the active bandwidth portion 46 may include a search space 56, which may be a UE-specific search space or a common search space as described above. According to one embodiment, as Figure 5 As shown, the sub-segment 58 of the active bandwidth portion 46 that is dynamically allocated to the UE for reduced bandwidth operation may be equal to the search space 56. In this example, the UE performs channel measurements, SRS transmissions, and data communications on the same bandwidth that is monitored for possible control signaling. Alternatively, as Figure 6 As shown, the sub-segment 60 of the active bandwidth portion 46 may be different from the search space 56. In this example, the UE may perform measurements, SRS transmissions, and other data communications on a bandwidth different from the bandwidth monitored for control signaling. Further, the sub-segment may include, for example, Figure 6 The search space 56 shown, or separation from the search space, allows different small portions of the bandwidth to be used for monitoring, measurement, and communication.

[0078] Go to Figure 7 , shows an exemplary flow chart representing steps that may be performed by the electronic device 14 when executing logic instructions to perform dynamic bandwidth operations as described above. The complementary operations of the base station 12 are Figure 8 It is shown in Figure 8 1 is an exemplary flow chart showing steps that may be performed by the base station 12 when the electronic device 14 performs adaptive adjustment of bandwidth utilization. Although illustrated as a logical progression, the steps may be performed in other orders and / or concurrently between two or more blocks. Figure 7 and Figure 8 Therefore, the illustrated flowcharts may be changed (including omitting steps not shown or adding steps not shown to enhance the description of certain aspects) and / or may be implemented in an object-oriented manner or in a state-oriented manner. Moreover, it may be implemented with Figure 8 The method is executed separately by Figure 7 method of representation, and vice versa.

[0079] Reference Figure 7 1. The logic flow for implementing reduced bandwidth operation by the electronic device 14 shown may begin at block 62. It may be assumed that the electronic device 14 has been previously configured with one or more bandwidth portions (including an active bandwidth portion) by a network node. Thus, at block 62, the electronic device 14 operates within the active bandwidth portion. Such operations may include monitoring control signaling, performing channel measurements, sending SRS, and / or exchanging data traffic (uplink or downlink) with the base station 12.

[0080] As described above, after a period of time after initial configuration or during a period of low data traffic, the electronic device 14 may enter a reduced bandwidth mode at block 64. To switch to the reduced bandwidth mode, the base station 12 dynamically allocates a subsegment of the active bandwidth portion to the electronic device 14. In the reduced bandwidth mode, the electronic device 14 monitors control signaling, performs channel measurements, and performs data communications only within the dynamically allocated subsegment.

[0081] At block 66, the electronic device 14 receives signaling (e.g., an uplink or downlink scheduling grant) from the base station 12. The signaling may include an indication regarding dynamic bandwidth utilization. At block 68, a determination is made as to whether the indication indicates that the electronic device 14 changes the utilized bandwidth. If a change is indicated, then at block 70, the electronic device 14 operates within the entire active bandwidth portion. If a change is not indicated, then at block 72, the electronic device 14 continues with reduced bandwidth operation. That is, the electronic device 14 continues to operate within a sub-segment of the active bandwidth portion.

[0082] An electronic device 14 operating only within a subsegment may periodically measure and report channel quality over a bandwidth greater than the subsegment. Periodic measurements enable the network to maintain awareness of channel conditions over the entire bandwidth portion (e.g., at least with a certain periodicity). For the uplink, the electronic device 14 may periodically send an SRS over the subsegment or over a wider bandwidth up to the entire active bandwidth portion. For the downlink, the base station 12 may send a downlink pilot (e.g., CSI-RS) over the subsegment or over a wider bandwidth up to the entire active bandwidth portion. Measurement gap techniques similar to those in NR systems may be employed to enforce periodic measurements outside of subsegments.

[0083] Reference Figure 8, illustrates exemplary actions performed by base station 12. In some cases, the actions performed by base station 14 may be complementary to the above-mentioned actions performed by electronic device 14. A logic flow for managing reduced bandwidth operation of electronic device 14 may begin at box 74. At box 74, the electronic device 14 or UE is configured to operate in the active bandwidth portion. At box 76, a determination is made as to whether to reduce bandwidth utilization of the UE. The determination may be based on traffic conditions, buffer status, or other UE activities. For example, low data traffic may trigger a switch to reduced bandwidth operation. A buffer status report from the UE may notify base station 12 of data traffic conditions.

[0084] In another example, the lack of UE activity may trigger activation of reduced bandwidth operation. For example, a UE configured with an active bandwidth portion may initially monitor the entire bandwidth portion. After a predetermined period of time with no activity or activity below a predetermined threshold, the base station 12 may determine to switch the UE to reduced bandwidth operation. For example, the NR system includes a timer for determining when the additional bandwidth portion should be removed due to inactivity. The timer for reducing to reduced bandwidth operation may be shorter than the inactivity timer associated with the entire bandwidth portion. Therefore, the base station 12 may switch the UE to utilize a sub-segment of the bandwidth portion after a first time period and then remove the entire bandwidth portion after a second time period.

[0085] At block 76, if reduced bandwidth operation is not activated, the base station 12 maintains the configuration of the UE to utilize the active bandwidth portion. However, if reduced bandwidth operation is to be activated, at block 78, the base station 12 configures the UE to utilize a sub-segment of the active bandwidth portion. The base station 12 may send control signaling to inform the UE of the allocation of the sub-segment (including its size). When the UE is in reduced bandwidth operation, at block 80, the base station 12 may determine whether to increase the bandwidth. The determination may be based on the amount of downlink data to be sent to the UE and / or the waiting time required for the downlink data. The determination may also be based on the packet arrival time and / or the packet size. Further, the determination may be based on a buffer status report from the UE, the amount of uplink data to be sent, the quality of service level (waiting time and / or data rate) required for the uplink data, or an explicit preference indicated by the UE (e.g., in a scheduling request). If the bandwidth is not increased, the base station 12 may signal the UE to maintain reduced bandwidth operation within the allocated sub-segment. If an increase is determined, the base station 12 allocates a bandwidth larger than the sub-segment (up to the entire active bandwidth portion) to the UE.

[0086] Go to Fig. 9 , illustrates an exemplary signaling diagram for implementing dynamic bandwidth utilization. Fig. 9As shown, a base station 84, which may be similar to the base station 12 described above, interacts with a UE 82, which may be similar to the electronic device 14 described above. Initially, the base station 84 or other network node configures one or more bandwidth portions for the UE 82. The configured bandwidth portions include an allocation of active bandwidth portions. At 88, the base station 84 signals the UE 82 with the configuration. At 90, the UE 82 may report its capability for reduced bandwidth operation to the base station 84. The UE 82 may optionally send assistance information 92 to the base station 84. The assistance information indicates a preference for reduced bandwidth operation or normal operation within the entire active bandwidth portion.

[0087] At 94, the base station 84 may configure the UE 82 for reduced bandwidth operation. Specifically, the base station 84 allocates a sub-segment of the active bandwidth portion for the UE 82 to utilize. At 96, the configuration of operation within the sub-segment of the active bandwidth portion is signaled to the UE 82. For example, the configuration may be signaled on a control channel. At 98, the UE operates within the allocated sub-segment as previously described.

[0088] At 100, the UE 82 may optionally send a scheduling request to the base station 84. The scheduling request may indicate a preference to remain on a sub-segment of the active bandwidth portion or to utilize a larger bandwidth. At 102, the base station 84 may allocate a larger bandwidth up to the entire active bandwidth portion and signal the updated configuration to the UE 82 at 104. It will be appreciated that the above sequence is exemplary and alternative orders may be employed.

[0089] in conclusion

[0090] Although certain embodiments have been shown and described, it is understood that equivalents and modifications falling within the scope of the appended claims will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification.

Claims

1. A method for adaptive bandwidth operation performed by a network node (12) of a wireless communication system (10), the method comprising the following steps: scheduling (78) a sub-segment (54) of an active bandwidth portion (46) allocated to a wireless communication device (14) for use by the wireless communication device (14); and The allocation of the subsegment (54) of the active bandwidth portion (46) is signaled (96) to the wireless communication device (14) such that the bandwidth available to the wireless communication device (14) is reduced from the active bandwidth portion (46) to the subsegment (54) of the active bandwidth portion (46).

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of: A determination (76) is made that the wireless communication device (14) is capable of operating within a reduced bandwidth relative to the active bandwidth portion (46).

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The step of determining (76) that the wireless communication device (14) is capable of operating within the reduced bandwidth also includes evaluating traffic conditions associated with the wireless communication device.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The step of determining (76) that the wireless communication device is capable of operating within the reduced bandwidth further includes identifying that the wireless communication device has not utilized the active bandwidth portion for a predetermined period of time.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of: determining (80) that the wireless communication device operating within the subsegment of the active bandwidth portion is capable of operating with a larger subsegment of the active bandwidth portion; scheduling (74) the wireless communication device to utilize the larger sub-segment of the active bandwidth portion; as well as The scheduling of the larger sub-segments is signaled (104) to the wireless communication device.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of: receiving (92) a signal from the wireless communication device, the signal providing auxiliary information related to bandwidth utilization; as well as A determination is made (94) based on the assistance information whether the wireless communication device is capable of operating within the subsegment of the active bandwidth portion.

7. A method for a wireless communication device (14) to perform adaptive bandwidth operation, the method comprising the following steps: Receiving (66) a signal from a network node (12) of a wireless communication system (10) to reduce the bandwidth available to the wireless communication device (14) from a configured active bandwidth portion (46) to a subsegment (54) of the configured active bandwidth portion (46); and A measurement operation, a monitoring operation, or a data communication operation is performed (64, 72, 98) within the sub-segment (54) of the configured active bandwidth portion (46).

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein: The subsegment (54) of the configured active bandwidth portion (46) is the only bandwidth used by the wireless communication device (14) to: monitoring control signaling from the network node; Perform channel measurements; or Data is sent to the network node and / or data is received from the network node.

9. The method according to claim 7, further comprising the steps of: periodically measuring channel quality across the configured active bandwidth portion (46); and The measured channel quality is reported to the network node (12).

10. The method according to claim 7, further comprising the steps of: receiving (104) a signal from the network node (12) to switch from utilizing the subsegment (54) of the configured active bandwidth portion (46) to utilizing the entire configured active bandwidth portion; as well as Operations are performed (70) throughout the configured active bandwidth portion (46).

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