Method for faster bandwidth partial handover enhancement in mobile communications

Abstract

Various examples are described regarding enhancements to faster bandwidth part (BWP) handovers in mobile communications. An apparatus, which may be implemented in a user equipment (UE), receives a trigger from a network node. The UE performs a BWP handover with restrictions on software (SW) or radio frequency (RF) reconfiguration, such that the BWP handover with restrictions is faster than without restrictions, in response to receiving the trigger. The UE then performs a transmission to the network node after the BWP handover. The present invention provides a method for enhancing faster bandwidth part handovers in mobile communications, achieving the technical effect of improving overall system performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to mobile communications and, more particularly, to enhancements for faster bandwidth part (BWP) handover in mobile communications. Background Art

[0002] Unless otherwise indicated, the approaches described in this section are not prior art to the claims listed below and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

[0003] In mobile communications, for example, in mobile communications based on the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) specifications for fifth generation (5G) New Radio (NR), BWP switching for a single component carrier (CC) in the licensed spectrum is specified in Release 15 and Release 16 (Rel-15 / 16) of the Technical Specification (TS) 38.133. Specifically, triggering the start of BWP switching in downlink (DL) time slot n can be accomplished by either of two methods. The first method includes a BWP switching request based on downlink control information (DCI) in DL time slot n in the serving cell, wherein the DCI triggering the BWP switching is the only transmission to the user equipment (UE) (during the first three symbols). In the second method, time slot n is the first time slot in the DL subframe (FR1) or DL ​​half-subframe (FR2) immediately after the BWP inactivity timer bwp-InactivityTimer expires in the serving cell. The UE will receive the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) (for DL ​​active BWP switching) or send the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) (for uplink (UL) active BWP switching) on ​​the new BWP in the serving cell, and more specifically, the BWP switching in the serving cell occurs for the duration of the BWP switching delay T BWPswitchDelay The first DL or UL time slot after BWPswitchDelayStarting from the beginning of DL time slot n. According to the UE capability BWP switching delay bwp-SwitchingDelay, the UE will be in the duration T defined in Table 8.6.2-1 in the 3GPP specification BWPswitchDelay Complete BWP switching within 1 second.

[0004] Regarding the BWP switching timeline defined in Rel-15 / 16, the transition timeline T BWPswitchDelay It is the sum of DCI reception and parsing, Layer 1 (L1) reconfiguration, radio frequency (RF) retuning / bandwidth (BW) adjustment, automatic gain control (AGC) setting, and slot boundary alignment. Since BWP switching usually involves a change in subcarrier spacing (SCS), and the BWP switching delay is determined by the smaller of the SCS before and after the BWP switching, T BWPswitchDelay The duration of T depends on the UE capability. BWPswitchDelay During this period, the UE is not allowed to transmit or receive except for the BWP switching DCI. Therefore, an enhanced solution is needed to achieve faster BWP switching in mobile communications to improve the overall system performance. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The following summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. That is, the following summary is provided to introduce the concepts, key points, benefits, and advantageous effects of the novel and non-obvious technologies described herein. Selected embodiments are further described in the detailed description below. Accordingly, the following summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0006] The present invention aims to propose a solution or method to solve the problems described herein. More specifically, the various solutions proposed by the present invention are considered to provide an enhanced solution for faster BWP switching in mobile communications.

[0007] In one aspect, a method includes receiving a trigger from a network node. The method also includes performing a BWP switch with restrictions on software (SW) or radio frequency (RF) reconfiguration, such that the BWP switch with the restrictions is faster than without the restrictions in response to receiving the trigger. The method further includes performing a transmission to the network node after the BWP switch.

[0008] In another aspect, a method includes receiving a trigger from a network node. The method further includes performing a BWP switch with a redefined BWP switch timeline, such that the BWP switch with the redefined BWP switch timeline is faster than a BWP switch without the redefined BWP switch timeline, in response to receiving the trigger. The method further includes performing a transmission to the network node after the BWP switch.

[0009] The present invention proposes a method for enhancing faster bandwidth partial switching in mobile communications, achieving the technical effect of improving overall system performance.

[0010] It is worth noting that while the description provided herein includes content regarding specific radio access technologies, networks, and network topologies such as 5G / NR mobile communications, the concepts, solutions, and any variations / derivations thereof may be implemented on, for, or through any other type of radio access technologies, networks, and network topologies, such as, but not limited to, LTE, LTE-Advanced, LTE-Advanced Pro, Internet of Things (IoT), Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), and non-terrestrial network (NTN) communications. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the examples described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this invention. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. It will be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale in order to clearly illustrate the concepts of the invention, and some components shown may be shown in proportion to their actual dimensions.

[0012] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an example network environment in which various proposed solutions according to the present invention are implemented.

[0013] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example scenario under the solution proposed according to the present invention.

[0014] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example scenario under the solution proposed according to the present invention.

[0015] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 5 is a flowchart of an example process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 6 is a flowchart of an example process according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Detailed embodiments and implementations of the claimed subject matter are disclosed herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments and implementations are merely illustrations of the claimed subject matter that can be implemented in various forms. Moreover, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the exemplary embodiments and implementations set forth herein. On the contrary, these exemplary embodiments and implementations are provided to make the description of the present invention comprehensive and complete, and to fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art. In the following description, details of known features and technologies may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the presented embodiments and implementations.

[0019] Overview

[0020] Embodiments according to the present invention relate to various technologies, methods, solutions, and / or methods for enhancing faster BWP handover in mobile communications. According to the present invention, multiple possible solutions can be implemented individually or in combination. That is, although these solutions are described separately below, two or more of these possible solutions can be implemented in one or another combination.

[0021] Figure 1 An example network environment 100 is shown in which various solutions and solutions may be implemented in accordance with the present invention. Figure 1 In part (A) of FIG, a network environment 100 may include a UE 110 in wireless communication with a wireless network 120 (e.g., a 5G NR mobile network or another type of network such as an NTN). The UE 110 may be in wireless communication with the wireless network 120 via a base station or network node 125 (e.g., an eNB, a gNB, or a transmit-receive point (TRP)). Figure 1 In part (B), under various solutions proposed according to the present invention, at the beginning of the DL time slot n and the BWP switching delay (T* BWPswitchDelay ) and the start of the modified duration, except for monitoring occasions, PDSCH, PUSCH and PUCCH operations can be performed by UE 110. Modified duration T*BWPswitchDelay It can start at the beginning of DL time slot n+1 or n+2. BWPswitchDelay Thereafter, a first PDSCH (after DL BWP switching) or a first PUCCH (after UL BWP switching) may be performed by UE 110. In network environment 100, UE 110 and wireless network 120 (via network node 125) may implement various solutions related to enhancements for faster BWP switching in mobile communications, as described below.

[0022] Under the first proposed solution according to the present invention, limited software (SW) reconfiguration can be applied so that all configurations for (DL or UL) BWP fast switching can be maintained. The first proposed solution may not be applicable to certain exceptions, including, for example but not limited to, resource block (RB) offset, BWP index, and properties that can manage BWP switching.

[0023] Under the second solution proposed according to the present invention, SW reconfiguration can be applied so that only a subset of configurations can be maintained. For example, some of the configurations maintained may include, for example but not limited to, the same subcarrier spacing, the same cyclic prefix (CP), the same bandwidth (BW) but with different RB offsets relative to the RB determined by the higher layer parameters offset-pointA-low-scs and ref-scs, different BWP indexes, PUCCH, PUSCH, configuration grant (CG), sounding reference signal (SRS) configuration (e.g., same time domain resource assignment (TDRA), K1 and / or K2) for part or all of the UL-BWP, and PDCCH, PDSCH, semi-persistent spacing (SPS), radio link monitoring (RLM) configuration (e.g., same TDRA and / or K0) for part or all of the DL-BWP. Under the proposed second solution, since all or most configurations will not change due to the BWP handover, parallel or substantially overlapping software and / or RF reconfigurations can be assumed for the BWP handover UE processing timeline.

[0024] Under the third solution proposed in accordance with the present invention, limited RF reconfiguration can be applied. For example, according to a set of restrictions, only center frequency and bandwidth changes may be allowed. Alternatively, the number of allowed center frequencies and / or bandwidths may be limited. Further, bandwidths may be mapped from center frequencies, and vice versa. For example, certain combinations of center frequencies may exist.

[0025] Under the fourth solution proposed in accordance with the present invention, different approaches can be used to trigger a faster BWP switch. In the first approach, a DCI in timeslot n can trigger a BWP switch starting from the duration allocated for DCI parsing, for example, in timeslot n+1 (for 15 MHz and 30 MHz) or timeslot n+2 (for 60 MHz and 120 MHz). This allows the start of the switch timeline to be redefined (excluding DCI reception and parsing). Before the start of the switch timeline, UE 110 is expected to continue its reception and transmission normally.

[0026] Optionally, in the first approach, for DCI that triggers BWP handover, restrictions can be imposed on PDCCH candidates to expedite BWP handover decoding. For example, a new search space (SS) can be defined in which DCI scheduled for BWP handover can be used, and UE 110 can prioritize monitoring this SS. In addition, blind decoding (BD) and aggregation level (AL) restrictions can be imposed on this SS. As another example, for DCI scheduled for BWP handover, the DCI format and / or radio network temporary identifier (RNTI) can be restricted.

[0027] Optionally, in the first method, restrictions on monitoring opportunities or PDCCH candidates may be applied after the BWP switching DCI. For example, upon successfully decoding the DCI conveying the BWP switching, UE 110 may abandon processing of the remaining monitoring opportunities. Alternatively or additionally, upon successfully decoding the DCI conveying the BWP switching, UE 110 may discard the remaining PDCCH candidates and all remaining monitoring opportunities for the same monitoring opportunity.

[0028] In the second approach, pattern-based switching can be configured via radio resource control (RRC) to save DCI reception and parsing. Optionally, in contrast to the inactivity timer, subframe (or half-subframe) boundary restrictions may not apply. For example, each BWP may have parameters downcount and nextBWP. Alternatively or additionally, one or more measurement results may trigger an appropriate BWP switching event. In the second approach, after the parameter downcount of the countdown timer expires, before the last switch, a flag may be used to enable automatic return or switching back to the BWP. In addition, dynamic signaling can be used to enable and disable pattern-based switching. For example, a specific bit may be included in the DCI. Alternatively or additionally, a dynamic BWP switching mechanism may be used to enable and / or disable. Dynamically switching to the default BWP may disable pattern-based switching. Dynamically switching to a BWP configured with pattern-based switching may turn on the pattern.

[0029] Figure 2 An example scenario 200 is shown in which several proposed solutions for seamless scheduling across multiple BWPs, described below, can be implemented. Under the fifth solution proposed in accordance with the present invention, BWP switching can be transparent with respect to PDSCH scheduling and PDSCH repetition / aggregation. For example, DL BWP switching can be transparent, and the transition time can be excluded from the K0 and K1 (sub)slot offsets. Under the sixth solution proposed in accordance with the present invention, for seamless DL hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) operation, BWP switching can be transparent with respect to codebook generation and PUCCH transmission. Codebook generation and the N1 timeline can exclude the transition duration. The same PUCCH configuration can be applied to each BWP. Under the seventh solution proposed in accordance with the present invention, BWP switching can be transparent with respect to PUCCH / PUSCH scheduling and PUCCH / PUSCH repetition. For example, UL BWP switching can be transparent, and the transition time can be excluded from the K2 slot offset and the N1 and N2 processing timelines of UE 110.

[0030] refer to Figure 2FIGURE 1 shows a portion (A) of FIGURE 1, which illustrates a DL BWP transition. PDCCH 1, PDCCH 2, and PDCCH 3 may schedule PDSCH 1, PDSCH 2, and PDSCH 3, respectively, and HARQ feedback may be sent on PUCCH 1. PDSCH 1 is scheduled by PDCCH 1 before the DL BWP transition and occurs before the DL BWP transition. PDSCH 2 is scheduled by PDCCH 1 before the DL BWP transition and occurs after the DL BWP transition. PDSCH 3 is scheduled by PDCCH 3 after the DL BWP transition and also occurs after the DL BWP transition. One or more HARQ codebooks for PDSCH 1, PDSCH 2, and PDSCH 3 may be transmitted on the same PUCCH 1.

[0031] refer to Figure 2 Part (B) of FIGURE 5 shows that during UL BWP conversion, PDCCH 4 can schedule PUSCH 4. In addition, PDSCH 5 (which can be SPS or dynamic) can be confirmed in PUCCH 5. PUSCH 4 is scheduled by PDCCH 4 before UL BWP conversion and occurs after UL BWP conversion. PUCCH 5 is scheduled by PDSCH 5 (which can be dynamic or SPS) before UL BWP conversion and occurs after UL BWP conversion.

[0032] Figure 3 An example scenario 300 is shown in which several proposed solutions for transition and adaptive TDRA over partial timeslot duration may be implemented. Under the eighth solution proposed in accordance with the present invention, for a particular SCS, with or without certain adaptive TDRA, the UE 110 may be able to send PUSCH or receive PDSCH immediately after the UL BWP or DL ​​BWP switching duration has elapsed (e.g., not aligned with the timeslot boundary). Under the proposed eighth solution, the UE 110 may be configured with a PUSCH / PDSCH TDRA table for the case where the transition duration of the BWP switching overlaps with the scheduled timeslot. For example, in addition to the default configuration, each BWP of the UE 110 may also be configured with a specific PUSCH / PDSCH configuration for the overlapping case. Furthermore, for timeslots that overlap with the transition, any actual configuration in the specific configuration may override the corresponding configuration in the default configuration. Furthermore, the proposed eighth solution may be applicable to SCS=15kHz. For all other SCSs, SCS alignment may be applied. Reference Figure 3 Part (A) of the , a specific PDSCH configuration (PDSCH-Config) can be used. Figure 3In part (B), a specific PUSCH configuration (PUSCH-Config) can be used.

[0033] Illustrative Embodiments

[0034] Figure 4 According to an embodiment of the present invention, an example communication system 400 is shown having at least an example device 410 and an example network device 420. To implement solutions, techniques, processes, and methods related to enhancements related to faster BWP handover in mobile communications, each of the devices 410 and 420 can perform various functions, including the various solutions described above with respect to various proposed designs, concepts, solutions, systems, and methods, including the network environment 100 and the processes described below.

[0035] Each of devices 410 and 420 may be part of an electronic device, such as a network device or UE (e.g., UE 110), such as a portable or mobile device, a wearable device, a vehicle device or vehicle, a wireless communication device, or a computing device. For example, each of devices 410 and 420 may be implemented in a smartphone, a smartwatch, a personal digital assistant, an electronic control unit (ECU) in a vehicle, a digital camera, or a computing device such as a tablet, laptop, or notebook computer. Each of devices 410 and 420 may also be part of a machine-type device, such as an IoT, NB-IoT, or IIoT device, such as a fixed or stationary device, a home device, a roadside unit (RSU) wired communication device, or a computing device. For example, each of devices 410 and 420 may be implemented in a smart thermostat, a smart refrigerator, a smart door lock, a wireless speaker, or a home control center. When implemented in or as a network device, device 410 and / or device 420 may be implemented in an eNodeB in an LTE, LTE-Advanced, or LTE-Advanced Pro network or in a gNB or TRP in a 5G network, NR network, or IoT network.

[0036] In some embodiments, each of the apparatus 410 and the apparatus 420 can be implemented in the form of one or more integrated circuit (IC) chips, such as, but not limited to, one or more single-core processors, one or more multi-core processors, one or more reduced-instruction set computing (RISC) processors, or one or more complex instruction set computing (CISC) processors. In the various solutions described above, each of the apparatus 410 and the apparatus 420 can be implemented in a network device or UE or implemented as a network device or UE. Each of the apparatus 410 and the apparatus 420 includes at least Figure 4 Some of the components shown are, for example, processor 412 and processor 422. Each of apparatus 410 and apparatus 420 may further include one or more other components not related to the solution proposed by the present invention (e.g., internal power supply, display device and / or user interface device), but for simplicity and brevity, these other components in apparatus 410 and apparatus 420 are not shown. Figure 4 nor described below.

[0037] In one aspect, each of processor 412 and processor 422 may be implemented in the form of one or more single-core processors, one or more multi-core processors, one or more CISC processors, or one or more RISC processors. That is, even though the singular term "processor" is used herein to refer to processor 412 and processor 422, each of processor 412 and processor 422 may include multiple processors in some embodiments and a single processor in other embodiments according to the present invention. In another aspect, each of processor 412 and processor 422 may be implemented in the form of hardware (and, optionally, firmware) having electronic components, which may include, but are not limited to, one or more transistors, one or more diodes, one or more capacitors, one or more resistors, one or more inductors, one or more memristors, and / or one or more varactors configured and arranged to achieve specific purposes according to the present invention. In other words, according to various embodiments of the present invention, at least in some embodiments, each of processor 412 and processor 422 may be a dedicated machine specifically designed, configured, and arranged to perform specific tasks, including those related to faster BWP switching enhancements in mobile communications, according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0038] In some embodiments, the device 410 may further include a transceiver 416 coupled to the processor 412. The transceiver 416 is capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving data. In some embodiments, the transceiver 416 may be capable of wirelessly communicating with different types of wireless networks of different radio access technologies (RATs). In some embodiments, the transceiver 416 may be equipped with multiple antenna ports (not shown), for example, four antenna ports. That is, the transceiver 416 may be equipped with multiple transmit antennas and multiple receive antennas for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) wireless communication. In some embodiments, the device 420 may further include a transceiver 426 coupled to the processor 422. The transceiver 426 is capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving data. In some embodiments, the transceiver 426 may be capable of wirelessly communicating with different types of wireless networks of different RATs. In some embodiments, the transceiver 426 may be equipped with multiple antenna ports (not shown), for example, four antenna ports. That is, the transceiver 426 may be equipped with multiple transmit antennas and multiple receive antennas for MIMO wireless communication.

[0039] In some embodiments, the device 410 may further include a memory 414 coupled to the processor 412, the memory 414 being accessible by the processor 412 and storing data therein. In some embodiments, the device 420 may further include a memory 424 coupled to the processor 422, the memory 424 being accessible by the processor 422 and storing data therein. In some embodiments, each of the memory 414 and the memory 4224 may include a random-access memory (RAM), such as dynamic RAM (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), thyristor RAM (T-RAM), and / or zero-capacitor RAM (Z-RAM). Alternatively or additionally, each of the memory 414 and the memory 424 may include a read-only memory (ROM), such as a mask ROM, a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), and / or an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM). Alternatively or additionally, each of memory 414 and memory 424 may include a non-volatile random-access memory (NVRAM), such as flash memory, solid-state memory, ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM), magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), and / or phase change memory. Each of apparatus 410 and apparatus 420 may be a communication entity capable of wirelessly communicating with each other using various proposed schemes according to the present invention. For illustrative purposes only and not limiting, a description is provided below of apparatus 410 as a UE (e.g., UE 110) in a wireless network (network 120 as a 5G / NR mobile network) and apparatus 420 as a network node (e.g., network node 125).

[0040] According to various proposed solutions for enhancing faster BWP switching in mobile communications according to the present invention, the processor 412 of the device 410 implemented in or as the UE 110 can receive a trigger from a network node of the wireless network (e.g., the device 420 as the network node 125 of the wireless network 120) via the transceiver 416. Additionally, the processor 412 can perform BWP switching with restrictions on software or radio frequency reconfiguration, such that the BWP switching with restrictions is faster than without restrictions in response to receiving the trigger. In addition, the processor 412 can perform transmissions (e.g., UL transmissions) to the network node via the transceiver 416.

[0041] In some embodiments, the restriction may include keeping all configurations for DL ​​BWP switching the same. Alternatively, the restriction may include keeping all configurations for UL BWP switching the same.

[0042] In some implementations, this restriction may include keeping a subset of all configurations used for BWP switching the same.

[0043] In some embodiments, while maintaining the same subset of all configurations for BWP switching, the processor 412 may maintain the same SCS. Alternatively or additionally, while maintaining the same subset of all configurations for BWP switching, the processor 412 may maintain the same CP. Alternatively or additionally, while maintaining the same subset of all configurations for BWP switching, the processor 412 may maintain the same bandwidth but with different RB offsets relative to the RBs determined by higher-layer parameters. Alternatively or additionally, while maintaining the same subset of all configurations for BWP switching, the processor 412 may maintain different BWP indices. Alternatively or additionally, while maintaining the same subset of all configurations for BWP switching, the processor 412 may maintain a partial or identical PUCCH, PUSCH, CG, or SRS configuration for the UL BWP. Alternatively or additionally, while maintaining the same subset of all configurations for BWP switching, the processor 412 may maintain a partial or identical PDCCH, PDSCH, SPS, or RLM configuration for the DL BWP.

[0044] In some embodiments, the limiting may include shifting the center frequency, shifting the bandwidth, or shifting both the center frequency and the bandwidth without shifting other RF configurations.

[0045] In some other solutions for enhancing faster BWP switching in mobile communications proposed according to the present invention, a processor 412 of an apparatus 410 implemented in or as a UE 110 may receive a trigger from a network node of a wireless network (e.g., apparatus 420 as network node 125 of wireless network 120) via a transceiver 416. Additionally, the processor 412 may perform a BWP switching with a redefined BWP switching timeline, such that the BWP switching with the redefined BWP switching timeline is faster than the BWP switching without the redefined BWP switching timeline, in response to receiving the trigger. Furthermore, the processor 412 may perform a transmission (e.g., an UL transmission) to the network node via the transceiver 416.

[0046] In some embodiments, the trigger may include a DCI signal. In this case, the start of the redefined BWP conversion timeline may not include the reception and parsing time of the DCI signal.

[0047] In some implementations, a new search space for receiving DCI signals may be defined. In this case, the DCI signals may be searched preferentially in the new search space.

[0048] In some embodiments, when performing a BWP switch, the processor 412 may perform certain operations. For example, the processor 412 may decode a DCI signal. Furthermore, upon successfully decoding the DCI signal, the processor 412 may perform any of the following operations: (a) stop processing one or more remaining monitoring opportunities; or (b) stop processing one or more remaining PDCCH candidates and all remaining monitoring opportunities in the same monitoring opportunity where the DCI was detected.

[0049] In some embodiments, the trigger may include RRC signaling. In this case, the BWP switching may include a mode-based switching configured by RRC signaling.

[0050] In some embodiments, the trigger may include a flag that enables automatic return and switching back to the default BWP after the countdown counter expires and before the last switch.

[0051] In some embodiments, the trigger may include dynamic signaling. In this case, BWP switching may include mode-based switching enabled or disabled by the dynamic signaling. Furthermore, the dynamic signaling may include one or more specific bits in the DCI signal. Alternatively or additionally, mode-based switching may be disabled to switch to the default BWP in response to the dynamic signaling trigger, and mode-based switching may be enabled to switch to another BWP configured with the mode used in the mode-based switching in response to the dynamic signaling trigger.

[0052] Illustrative Process

[0053] Figure 5 is an example process 500 described in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Process 500 may represent an aspect of implementing the various proposed designs, concepts, schemes, systems, and methods described above, whether in part or in whole, including the content described above. More specifically, process 500 may represent an aspect of the concepts and schemes proposed for faster BWP switching enhancement in mobile communications according to the present invention. Process 500 may include one or more operations, actions, or functions shown in one or more of blocks 510, 520, and 530. Although the blocks shown are discrete, the blocks in process 500 may be split into more blocks, combined into fewer blocks, or some blocks may be deleted, depending on the desired embodiment. In addition, the blocks / sub-blocks of process 500 may be arranged in accordance with Figure 5The steps of process 500 may be performed in the order shown or in a different order. In addition, one or more blocks / subblocks in process 500 may be performed repeatedly or iteratively. Process 500 may be implemented by or in apparatus 410 and apparatus 420 and / or any variants thereof. For illustrative purposes only and not limiting, process 500 is described below in the context of apparatus 410 as a UE (e.g., UE 110) and apparatus 420 as a communication entity such as a network node or base station (e.g., network node 125) in a wireless network (e.g., wireless network 120). Process 500 may begin at block 510.

[0054] In block 510, flow 500 may include processor 412 of apparatus 410 receiving a trigger from a network node of a wireless network (eg, apparatus 420 being network node 125 of wireless network 120) via transceiver 416. From block 510, flow 500 proceeds to block 520.

[0055] At block 520 , flow 500 may include processor 412 performing BWP switching with restrictions on software or radio frequency reconfiguration such that BWP switching with restrictions is faster than without restrictions in response to receiving a trigger. Flow 500 proceeds from block 520 to block 530 .

[0056] At block 530 , process 500 may include processor 412 performing a transmission (eg, a UL transmission) to a network node via transceiver 416 .

[0057] In some embodiments, the restriction may include keeping all configurations for DL ​​BWP switching the same. Alternatively, the restriction may include keeping all configurations for UL BWP switching the same.

[0058] In some implementations, this restriction may include keeping a subset of all configurations used for BWP switching the same.

[0059] In some embodiments, while maintaining the same subset of all configurations for BWP switching, the processor 412 may maintain the same SCS. Alternatively or additionally, while maintaining the same subset of all configurations for BWP switching, the process 500 may include the processor 412 maintaining the same CP. Alternatively or additionally, while maintaining the same subset of all configurations for BWP switching, the process 500 may include the processor 412 maintaining the same bandwidth with different RB offsets relative to RBs determined by higher layer parameters. Alternatively or additionally, while maintaining the same subset of all configurations for BWP switching, the process 500 may include the processor 412 maintaining different BWP indices. Alternatively or additionally, while maintaining the same subset of all configurations for BWP switching, the process 500 may include the processor 412 maintaining partial or complete PUCCH, PUSCH, CG, or SRS configurations for the UL BWP. Alternatively or additionally, while keeping a subset of all configurations for BWP switching the same, for the DL BWP, flow 500 can include the processor 412 maintaining a partial or identical PDCCH, PDSCH, SPS, or RLM configuration.

[0060] In some embodiments, the limiting may include shifting the center frequency, shifting the bandwidth, or shifting both the center frequency and the bandwidth without shifting other RF configurations.

[0061] Figure 6 is an example process 600 described in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Process 600 may represent an aspect of implementing the various proposed designs, concepts, schemes, systems, and methods described above, whether in part or in whole, including the content described above. More specifically, process 600 may represent an aspect of the concepts and schemes proposed for faster BWP switching enhancement in mobile communications according to the present invention. Process 600 may include one or more operations, actions, or functions shown in one or more of blocks 610, 620, and 630. Although the blocks shown are discrete, the blocks in process 600 may be split into more blocks, combined into fewer blocks, or some blocks may be deleted, depending on the desired implementation. In addition, the blocks / sub-blocks of process 600 may be arranged in accordance with Figure 6The steps of process 600 may be performed in the order shown or in a different order. In addition, one or more blocks / subblocks in process 600 may be performed repeatedly or iteratively. Process 600 may be implemented by or in apparatus 410 and apparatus 420 and / or any variants thereof. For illustrative purposes only and not limiting, process 600 is described below in the context of apparatus 410 as a UE (e.g., UE 110) and apparatus 420 as a communication entity such as a network node or base station (e.g., network node 125) in a wireless network (e.g., wireless network 120). Process 600 may begin at block 610.

[0062] At block 610, process 600 may include processor 412 of apparatus 410 receiving a trigger from a network node of a wireless network (eg, apparatus 420 being network node 125 of wireless network 120) via transceiver 416. From block 610, process 600 proceeds to block 620.

[0063] At block 620 , the process 600 may include the processor 412 performing the initiated BWP switch with the redefined BWP switch timeline such that the initiated BWP switch with the redefined BWP switch timeline is faster than the initiated BWP switch without the redefined BWP switch timeline in response to receiving the trigger. From block 620 , the process 600 proceeds to block 630 .

[0064] At block 630 , process 600 may include processor 412 performing a transmission (eg, a UL transmission) to a network node via transceiver 416 .

[0065] In some embodiments, the trigger may include a DCI signal. In this case, the start of the redefined BWP conversion timeline may not include the reception and parsing time of the DCI signal.

[0066] In some implementations, a new search space for receiving DCI signals may be defined. In this case, the DCI signals may be searched preferentially in the new search space.

[0067] In some embodiments, when performing a BWP switch, process 600 may include processor 412 performing certain operations. For example, process 600 may include processor 412 decoding a DCI signal. Furthermore, upon successfully decoding the DCI signal, process 600 may include processor 412 performing any of the following operations: (a) ceasing processing of one or more remaining monitoring opportunities; or (b) ceasing processing of one or more remaining PDCCH candidates and all remaining monitoring opportunities in the same monitoring opportunity in which the DCI was detected.

[0068] In some embodiments, the trigger may include RRC signaling. In this case, the BWP switching may include a mode-based switching configured by RRC signaling.

[0069] In some embodiments, the trigger may include a flag that enables automatic return and switching back to the default BWP after the countdown counter expires and before the last switch.

[0070] In some embodiments, the trigger may include dynamic signaling. In this case, BWP switching may include mode-based switching enabled or disabled by the dynamic signaling. Furthermore, the dynamic signaling may include one or more specific bits in the DCI signal. Alternatively or additionally, mode-based switching may be disabled to switch to the default BWP in response to the dynamic signaling trigger, and mode-based switching may be enabled to switch to another BWP configured with the mode used in the mode-based switching in response to the dynamic signaling trigger.

[0071] Additional Notes

[0072] The subject matter described herein sometimes shows different components included in or connected to different other components. However, it should be understood that these depicted architectures are only examples, and in fact many other architectures that achieve the same function can be implemented. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components that achieve the same function is effectively "associated", so that the desired function is achieved. Therefore, regardless of the architecture or intermediate components, any two components that are combined to achieve a specific function herein can be regarded as "associated" to each other, so that the desired function is achieved. Similarly, any two components that are so associated can also be regarded as "operationally connected" or "operationally coupled" to each other to achieve the desired function, and any two components that can be so associated can also be regarded as "operationally couplable" to each other to achieve the desired function. Specific examples of operational coupling include but are not limited to physically matching and / or physically interactive components and / or wirelessly interactive and / or wirelessly interactive components and / or logically interactive and / or logically interactive components.

[0073] Furthermore, with respect to any plural and / or singular terms used herein, those skilled in the art may convert from plural to singular and / or from singular to plural as appropriate for the context and / or application. For clarity, various singular / plural interchanges may be explicitly set forth herein.

[0074] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that, in general, the terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., the bodies of the appended claims), are generally intended to be “open-ended” terms, e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “comprising” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” and so forth. Those skilled in the art will also understand that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation, such intent is absent. For example, to aid understanding, the appended claims may include use of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more.” However, the use of such phrases should not be interpreted as implying that a claim recitation, introduced by the indefinite article "a" or "an," will include any particular claim of such introduced claim recitation to include only one implementation of such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrase "one or more" or "at least one" and an indefinite article such as "a" or "an," for example, "a and / or an" should be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more," and the same applies to the use of definite articles to introduce claim recitations. Furthermore, even if a specific number of introduced claim recitations is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number, for example, the uncensored recitation of "two recitations" means at least two recitations or two or more recitations in the absence of other modifiers. Furthermore, where a convention similar to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, it is generally intended to be interpreted in the sense that one skilled in the art will understand this convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but is not limited to systems having A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). Where a convention similar to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, it is generally intended to be interpreted in the sense that one skilled in the art will understand this convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but is not limited to systems having A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). One skilled in the art will also understand that any transitional words and / or phrases, whether in the specification, claims, or drawings, that actually indicate two or more alternatives should be understood to contemplate the possibility of including one, either, or both of these items. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

[0075] It will be appreciated that various embodiments of the present invention have been described herein for illustrative purposes and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, the various embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting, and the true scope and spirit are to be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for enhancing faster bandwidth partial handover in mobile communications, comprising: Receive triggers from network nodes; performing bandwidth portion switching with a restriction on software or radio frequency reconfiguration such that the bandwidth portion switching with the restriction is faster than without the restriction in response to receiving the trigger; and performing transmission to the network node after the bandwidth portion switching, Wherein the trigger comprises a downlink control information signal, and The restriction includes one or more of the following: Prioritize monitoring of new search spaces; Apply blind decoding and aggregation level restrictions to this new search space; After successfully decoding the downlink control information, stop processing one or more remaining monitoring opportunities in the same monitoring opportunity in which the downlink control information signal is monitored; as well as After successfully decoding the downlink control information signal, the processing of one or more remaining physical downlink control channel candidates in the same monitoring occasion in which the downlink control information signal is monitored is stopped.

2. The method for enhancing faster bandwidth partial handover in mobile communications according to claim 1, characterized in that: The restriction includes keeping all configurations for downlink bandwidth portion switching the same.

3. The method for enhancing faster bandwidth partial handover in mobile communications according to claim 1, characterized in that: The restriction includes keeping all configurations for uplink bandwidth portion switching the same.

4. The method for enhancing faster bandwidth partial handover in mobile communications according to claim 1, characterized in that: The restriction consists in keeping the same subset of all configurations used for switching of the bandwidth fraction.

5. The method for enhancing faster bandwidth partial handover in mobile communications according to claim 4, characterized in that: Keeping the subset the same for all configurations used for the bandwidth part switching includes keeping the same subcarrier spacing or keeping the same cyclic prefix.

6. The method for enhancing faster bandwidth partial handover in mobile communications according to claim 4, characterized in that: Keeping the subset the same for all configurations used for switching of the bandwidth fraction comprises keeping the same bandwidth but with different resource block offsets relative to resource blocks determined by higher layer parameters.

7. The method for enhancing faster bandwidth partial handover in mobile communications according to claim 4, characterized in that: The step of keeping the subset the same for all configurations of the bandwidth fraction switching comprises maintaining different bandwidth fraction indices.

8. The method for enhancing faster bandwidth partial handover in mobile communications according to claim 4, characterized in that: For the uplink bandwidth part, keeping the subset of all configurations for switching of the bandwidth part the same includes keeping part or all physical uplink control channel, physical uplink shared channel, configuration grant or sounding reference signal configuration.

9. The method for enhancing faster bandwidth partial handover in mobile communications according to claim 4, characterized in that: For the downlink bandwidth part, keeping the subset of all configurations for switching of the bandwidth part the same comprises keeping partial or identical physical downlink control channel, physical downlink shared channel, semi-persistent scheduling or radio link monitoring configuration.

10. The method for enhancing faster bandwidth partial handover in mobile communications according to claim 1, characterized in that: The restriction includes changing the center frequency, changing the bandwidth, or changing both the center frequency and the bandwidth without changing other radio frequency configurations.

11. An apparatus for enhancing faster bandwidth partial handover in mobile communications, comprising: processor; as well as a transceiver coupled to the processor, The processor is configured to: receiving a trigger from a network node via the transceiver; performing a bandwidth portion switch with a restriction on software or radio frequency reconfiguration such that the bandwidth portion switch with the restriction is faster than without the restriction in response to receiving the trigger; as well as performing, via the transceiver, a transmission to the network node following the bandwidth portion switching, wherein the trigger comprises a downlink control information signal, and The restriction includes one or more of the following: Prioritize monitoring of new search spaces; Apply blind decoding and aggregation level restrictions to this new search space; After successfully decoding the downlink control information, stop processing one or more remaining monitoring opportunities in the same monitoring opportunity in which the downlink control information signal is monitored; as well as After successfully decoding the downlink control information signal, the processing of one or more remaining physical downlink control channel candidates in the same monitoring occasion in which the downlink control information signal is monitored is stopped.

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