Base station and method in a base station for supporting devices with different bandwidth capabilities in a communication network

Abstract

To support devices with different bandwidth capabilities, a base station configures a first initial bandwidth part (BWP) of a first width within the bandwidth of a first cell (1002), and configures a second initial BWP of a second width within the bandwidth of the first cell (1004). The base station transmits an indication of the first BWP in the first cell and an indication of the second BWP in the first cell or a second cell to enable a first user equipment (UE) with the first bandwidth capability to access the first BWP and a second user equipment (UE) with the second bandwidth capability to access the second BWP (1006).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to wireless communications, and more particularly to managing bandwidth portions over a radio interface. Background Art

[0002] The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the content of the present disclosure. The work of the inventors currently mentioned to the extent described in this background section, as well as aspects described that may not have qualified as prior art at the time of filing, are neither explicitly nor implicitly admitted to be prior art to the present disclosure.

[0003] Base stations operating according to the fifth generation (5G) New Radio (NR) requirements support much larger bandwidths than fourth generation (4G) base stations. Therefore, the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has proposed that for Release 15, user equipment units (UEs) support 100 MHz bandwidth in frequency range 1 (FR1) and 200 MHz bandwidth in frequency range (FR2). However, in at least some geographic areas, some UEs may have lower bandwidth capabilities, which may be referred to as intermediate tier NR devices or NR-light devices. Examples of such UEs include wearable devices, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and automotive head units.

[0004] Due to the relatively wide bandwidth of a typical carrier, a 5G NR base station can configure a UE to operate in a certain bandwidth part (BWP), or a portion of the full carrier consisting of a set of contiguous physical resource blocks. For example, the full carrier bandwidth may be 200 MHz, and the base station may configure a 100 MHz BWP for the UE. The BWP may include both downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) components.

[0005] The base station can configure an initial BWP through which normal-capability UEs can access the radio access network (RAN), but NR-light UEs may not support this initial BWP. On the other hand, if the base station configures a narrower initial BWP to allow NR-light UEs to access the cell, the base station will reduce the data rate available to normal-capability UEs. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To support both high-bandwidth and low-bandwidth UEs, the base station of the present disclosure configures at least two initial BWPs within the bandwidth of a cell. The base station may configure one initial BWP to have a relatively large width (supported by high-bandwidth devices but not by low-bandwidth devices) and another initial BWP to have a relatively small width (supported by low-bandwidth devices). High-bandwidth devices also support narrower initial BWPs, but generally select a wider initial BWP to achieve higher data rates, unless there are reasons not to select a wider BWP in certain circumstances.

[0007] In some embodiments or scenarios, a base station configures two BWPs within the same cell. The narrower BWP may be completely within the wider BWP, partially overlap the wider BWP, or not overlap the wider BWP. The base station may indicate the location of the initial BWP in a system information block (SIB) broadcast by the base station within the cell. The UE may select an initial BWP from among the initial BWPs specified in the SIB based on the UE's bandwidth capabilities.

[0008] In other embodiments or scenarios, the base station configures two BWPs in two different cells. These two cells may cover substantially the same geographic area, allowing the UE to detect the SIBs of the first cell and the second cell in most cases. In this case, the total bandwidth of the second cell may be narrower than the total bandwidth of the first cell. The total bandwidth of the second cell may be completely within the initial BWP of the first cell, partially overlap with the initial BWP of the first cell, or not overlap with the initial BWP of the first cell. Furthermore, the initial BWP of the second cell may be completely within the wider initial BWP of the first cell, partially overlap with the initial BWP of the first cell, or not overlap with the initial BWP of the first cell.

[0009] After selecting an initial BWP based at least in part on bandwidth capabilities, the UE may send a random access preamble to the base station over the UL component of the selected initial BWP to access a cell, which may be the first cell or the second cell as described above. The base station may send a random access response over the DL component of the selected initial BWP. The base station may then provide the UE with a non-initial BWP configuration, which may have a wider or narrower bandwidth than the initial BWP configuration. Thus, a non-initial BWP configuration for a low-bandwidth-capable UE may include one or more narrower BWPs, and a non-initial BWP configuration for a high-bandwidth-capable UE may include a narrower or wider BWP.

[0010] One exemplary embodiment of these techniques is a method in a base station for supporting devices with different bandwidth capabilities. The method may be performed by processing hardware and includes configuring a first initial bandwidth part (BWP) of a first width within a bandwidth of a first cell, configuring a second initial BWP of a second width different from the first width within the bandwidth of the first cell, and transmitting an indication of the first BWP in the first cell and transmitting an indication of the second BWP in the first cell or a second cell to enable a first user equipment (UE) with the first bandwidth capability to access the first BWP and a second UE with the second bandwidth capability to access the second BWP.

[0011] Another exemplary embodiment of the techniques is a base station comprising processing hardware configured to perform the above-described method.

[0012] Another exemplary embodiment of the techniques is a method in a UE for accessing a radio access network (RAN). The method may be performed by processing hardware and includes receiving a configuration indicating a first initial BWP of a first width and a second initial BWP of a second width, selecting one of the first initial BWP or the second initial BWP in view of the bandwidth capability of the UE, and accessing the RAN via the selected initial BWP.

[0013] Yet another embodiment of the techniques is a UE comprising processing hardware configured to perform the above-described methods. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1A is a block diagram of an exemplary communication system in which a base station configures bandwidth parts (BWPs) of different widths in a cell for access by devices with different bandwidth capabilities;

[0015] Figure 1B is a block diagram of an exemplary communication system in which a base station is configured with at least two cells, each cell having a BWP of a different corresponding width;

[0016] Figure 2 Among them Figure 1A A message transfer diagram for an exemplary scenario in which a base station configures a first BWP and a second BWP in the same cell and UEs with different bandwidth capabilities access the RAN via different BWPs of the cell;

[0017] Figure 3 Among them Figure 1B A message transfer diagram for an exemplary scenario in which a base station configures a first BWP and a second BWP in different cells and UEs with different bandwidth capabilities access the RAN via different cells;

[0018] Figure 4A A configuration in which the narrower initial BWP is completely within the wider initial BWP is schematically illustrated;

[0019] Figure 4B A configuration in which a narrower initial BWP partially overlaps with a wider initial BWP is schematically illustrated;

[0020] Figure 4C A configuration in which the narrower initial BWP and the wider initial BWP do not overlap is schematically illustrated;

[0021] Figure 5A schematically illustrates a configuration in which a narrower initial BWP of a second cell is completely within a wider initial BWP of a first cell and the bandwidth of the second cell is within the bandwidth of the first cell;

[0022] Figure 5Bschematically illustrates a configuration in which a narrower initial BWP of a second cell partially overlaps with a wider initial BWP of a first cell and the bandwidth of the second cell is within the bandwidth of the first cell;

[0023] Figure 5C schematically illustrates a configuration in which the narrower initial BWP of the second cell does not overlap with the initial BWP of the first cell and the bandwidth of the second cell is within the bandwidth of the first cell;

[0024] Figure 6 is a flow chart of an exemplary method for configuring a first initial BWP and a second initial BWP, which may be used in Figure 1A Implementation in the base station;

[0025] Figure 7 is a flow chart of an exemplary method for accessing a cell via a first initial BWP or a second initial BWP, which may be Figure 1A Implementation in UE;

[0026] Figure 8 is a flow chart of an exemplary method for configuring a first initial BWP in a first cell and configuring a second initial BWP in a second cell, which may be Figure 1B Implementation in the base station;

[0027] Figure 9 is a flow chart of an exemplary method for accessing a first cell or a second cell via a first initial BWP or a second initial BWP, respectively, which may be Figure 1B Implementation in UE;

[0028] Figure 10 is a flow chart of an exemplary method for providing access to a RAN to devices with different bandwidth capabilities, which may be Figure 1A or Figure 1B is implemented in a base station; and

[0029] Figure 11 is a flow chart of an exemplary method for accessing a RAN, which may be Figure 1A or Figure 1B implemented in the UE. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] In general, the disclosed techniques allow UEs with different bandwidth capabilities to access the RAN via corresponding BWPs without requiring the base station to limit the data rate of high-bandwidth UEs. To this end, the base station configures BWPs of different widths in one or more overlapping cells.

[0031] exist Figure 1AIn an exemplary communication network 100A, UE 102A has high bandwidth capabilities and UE 102B has low bandwidth capabilities. For example, UE 102A may comply with the evolved mobile broadband (eMBB) requirements of 5GNR of 3GPP Release 15 and support 100 MHz bandwidth in FR1 for a frequency band with 100 MHz channels available, 200 MHz bandwidth in FR2, four-layer multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) functionality in the high band in FR1, and all CORESET#0 bandwidths defined in TS 38.213. UE 102B may not support or may only support some of these requirements. More generally, UE 102A may support a certain threshold width BW DL DL bandwidth and a certain threshold width BW UL UL bandwidth, while UE 102B can support a bandwidth less than BW DL The DL bandwidth and / or width is less than BW UL UL bandwidth.

[0032] The wireless communication network 100A includes an NR base station 104 connected to a core network (CN) 110, which can be implemented as an evolved packet core (EPC) or a fifth generation core (5GC). The base station 104 operates as a fifth generation Node B (gNB) and covers an NR cell 120.

[0033] Base station 104 configures an initial uplink (UL) BWP 150A, an initial downlink (DL) BWP 152A, an initial UL BWP 150B, and an initial DL BWP 152B in cell 120. As used in this disclosure, the term "uplink" refers to the direction of transmission from the UE to base station 104, and the term "downlink" refers to the direction of transmission from base station 104 to the UE. Components 150A and 152A constitute a first, wider initial BWP for cell 120, and components 150B and 152B constitute a second, narrower initial BWP for cell 120. Initial UL BWP 150A is wider than initial ULBWP 150B, and initial DL BWP 152A is wider than initial DLBWP 152B. Continuing with the above example, width (UL BWP 150A) ≥ BWP UL , width (DL BWP 152A) ≥ BW DL , width (UL BWP 150B) <BW UL , and width (DL BWP 152B) <BW DLHowever, in other cases, only one of the uplink and downlink components of the first initial BWP is wider than the corresponding component of the second initial BWP. Thus, for example, the base station 104 may configure the initial DL BWP 152A to be wider than the initial DL BWP 152B and may configure the initial UL BWP 150A to have the same width as the initial UL BWP 150B.

[0034] The base station 104 may be equipped with processing hardware that may include one or more general-purpose processors (e.g., CPUs) and non-transitory computer-readable memory that stores instructions executed by the one or more general-purpose processors. Additionally or alternatively, the processing hardware may include a dedicated processing unit. To manage the configuration of the initial BWP and non-initial BWPs, the base station 104 includes a BWP controller 130 implemented using any suitable combination of hardware, software, and firmware. For example, the BWP controller 130 may be implemented as a set of instructions that execute on one or more processors to perform corresponding functions. In another embodiment, the BWP controller 130 is implemented using firmware as part of a wireless communication chipset.

[0035] UEs 102A and 102B may also be equipped with processing hardware that may include one or more general-purpose processors (e.g., CPUs) and non-transitory computer-readable memory that stores instructions executed by the one or more general-purpose processors. Additionally or alternatively, the processing hardware 150 may include a dedicated processing unit. The processing hardware may include a BWP selection module 140, which may be implemented using any suitable combination of hardware, software, and firmware.

[0036] according to Figure 1B In another embodiment shown, base station 104 configures cell 122A and cell 122B to cover substantially the same geographic area. In some embodiments or scenarios, base station 104 may configure cell 122B to cover a larger geographic area than cell 122A. Base station 104 assigns an initial UL BWP 150A and an initial DL BWP 152A to cell 122A, and an initial UL BWP 150B and an initial DL BWP 152B to cell 122B. UE 102A and UE 102B may each detect the initial BWPs of cells 122A and 122B, determine the widths of the respective initial BWPs, and select the initial BWP (and corresponding cell) based on the bandwidth capabilities of the UEs.

[0037] As discussed in more detail below, the BWP controller 130 operates as follows: Figure 1A A single cell as shown or Figure 1BAs shown, a first initial BWP and a second initial BWP are allocated in separate cells. Base station 104 transmits one or more system information blocks (SIBs) to indicate the initial BWP. After accessing the corresponding cell, UE 102A or UE 102B can request a non-initial BWP, which base station 104 can allocate based on the width of the initial BWP. Therefore, after UE 102A selects a wider initial BWP, base station 104 subsequently allocates the wider non-initial BWP to UE 102A. After UE 102B selects a narrower initial BWP, base station 104 subsequently allocates the narrower non-initial BWP to UE 102B. For example, if UE 102A requires a higher data rate for one or more services, UE 102A can request a non-initial BWP wider than the first initial BWP. If UE 102A requires a lower data rate for a service, UE 102B can request a non-initial BWP narrower than the second initial BWP. Alternatively, the base station 104 may allocate a non-initial BWP to the UE 102A or UE 102B even when the UE 102A or UE 102B does not request a non-initial BWP. For example, if the base station 104 determines that the UE 102A requires a higher data rate, the base station 104 may allocate a non-initial BWP to the UE 102A that is wider than the first initial BWP. If the base station 104 determines that the UE 102B requires a lower data rate, the base station 104 may allocate a non-initial BWP to the UE 102B that is narrower than the second initial BWP.

[0038] Next reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 Initial BWP configuration and access to one or more cells of base station 104 are discussed.

[0039] First reference Figure 2 In the illustrated scenario 200, UE 102A and UE 102B initially operate in a state without an active radio connection between the UE and a base station according to a protocol for controlling radio resources on a radio interface, such as radio resource control (RRC) 202. As a more specific example, UE 102A and UE 102B may operate in an RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state 202.

[0040] The base station 104 selects 204 a first initial BWP for a UE with high bandwidth capabilities. For example, referring back to FIG. 1 , the first initial BWP may include the initial UL BWP 150A and the initial DL BWP 152A. The base station 104 also selects 206 a second initial BWP for a UE with low bandwidth capabilities. For example, the second initial BWP may include the initial UL BWP 150B and the initial DL BWP 152B. Example configurations of the BWPs will be described with reference to FIG. Figures 4A to 5CDiscuss in more detail.

[0041] Depending on the implementation, the DL and UL carrier frequencies of the first initial BWP or the second initial BWP may be the same (e.g., a time division duplex (TDD) carrier frequency) or different (a frequency division duplex (FDD) carrier frequency). The DL and UL carrier frequencies in certain configurations may partially overlap. In some cases, the DL carrier frequency of the initial BWP may include the UL carrier frequency of the initial BWP.

[0042] Base station 104 is a cell (e.g., Figure 1A The cell 120) generates 210 a configuration including a first initial BWP and a second initial BWP. The configuration may include an indication of where the base station 104 allocates the first initial BWP and the second initial BWP within the cell bandwidth (see below). Figures 4A to 4C ). More specifically, the configuration indicates the location of the first initial DL BWP within the DL carrier frequency of the cell and the location of the first initial UL BWP within the UL carrier frequency of the cell. The base station 104 may broadcast 220 one or more SIBs that include an indication of where the first initial BWP and the second initial BWP are located within the bandwidth of the cell.

[0043] In some embodiments, the base station 104 transmits a first synchronization signal (SS) block (SSB) on a first initial DL BWP. On a second initial DL BWP, the base station 104 may transmit the same first SSB or second SSB, or may not transmit an SSB at all. In an exemplary embodiment, the first SSB is composed of a first primary SS (PSS), a first physical broadcast channel (PBCH) (or a first master information block (MIB)), and a first secondary SS (SSS). The base station 104 may generate the first PSS or the first SSS associated with the physical cell identifier (PCI) of the cell. The MIB transmitted by the base station 104 on the first initial DL BWP may include a first physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) configuration (e.g., PDCCH-configuration SIB1) for high bandwidth capable UEs to receive at least one SIB or other SIBs on the first initial DL BWP.

[0044] Continue to refer Figure 2, UE 102A camps on a cell of base station 104 and selects 230 a first initial BWP. More specifically, UE 102A, camped on the cell, monitors a control channel of the cell, such as a PBCH, to detect a MIB. UE 102A then retrieves a PDCCH configuration from the MIB and receives one or more SIBs based on the PDCCH configuration. UE 102A may receive at least one downlink control information (DCI) from base station 104 on one or more PDCCHs allocated in the first initial DLBWP. At least some of the DCI may include configurations for one or more physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) transmissions, and at least some of the DCI may include configurations for one or more physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) transmissions.

[0045] UE 102A receives at least one SIB based on the PDCCH configuration. In one embodiment, UE 102A receives other SIBs based on the PDCCH configuration. In another embodiment, if at least one SIB includes a third PDCCH configuration (where the second PDCCH configuration is associated with the second initial BWP), UE 102A may receive other SIBs based on the third PDCCH configuration.

[0046] In some embodiments, the first PDCCH configuration includes a configuration for a first control resource set (CORESET) within a first initial DL BWP. The UE 102A may receive DCI on a PDCCH on the first CORESET and may receive at least one SIB or one or more other SIBs on a PDSCH allocated by the DCI. A third PDCCH configuration may configure another CORESET within the first initial DL BWP. The UE 102A may receive DCI on a PDCCH on the other CORESET and may receive one or more other SIBs on a PDSCH allocated by the DCI.

[0047] The base station 104 may transmit the at least one SIB on the first initial DL BWP, the second initial DL BWP, or both the first and second initial BWPs. Thus, the UE 102A and the UE 102B may receive the at least one SIB on the first initial DL BWP, the second initial DL BWP, or both. When the base station 104 transmits the at least one SIB on the first initial DL BWP, the base station 104 selects frequency resources such that the UE 102B with lower bandwidth capabilities can still receive the at least one SIB.

[0048] As described above, in some embodiments, the base station 104 includes the first initial DL BWP configuration and the second initial DL BWP configuration in an SIB (such as SIB1) along with the first initial UL BWP configuration and the second initial UL BWP configuration. The base station 104 may broadcast the SIB on the first initial DL BWP, the second initial DL BWP, or both. In addition to the first and second initial BWP configurations, the base station 104 may include other configurations in the SIB. Furthermore, in some cases, the base station broadcasts the same content of the other configurations in the SIB on the first initial DL BWP and the SIB on the second initial DL BWP. In other cases, the base station 104 broadcasts different other configurations in the SIB on the first initial DL BWP and the SIB on the second initial DL BWP.

[0049] In some embodiments, the base station 104 broadcasts 220 a first SIB (e.g., SIB1) and a second SIB (e.g., SIBX, where X is an integer greater than 1) as part of one or more SIBs. The base station 104 includes the first initial DL BWP configuration and the first initial UL BWP configuration in the first SIB, and includes the second initial DL BWP configuration and the second initial UL BWP configuration in the second SIB. In one embodiment, the base station 104 may broadcast the first SIB and the second SIB on the first initial DL BWP, the second initial DL BWP, or both. In another embodiment, the base station 104 may broadcast the first SIB and the second SIB on the first initial DL BWP and the second initial DL BWP, respectively.

[0050] Examples of SIBs that the base station 104 may broadcast 220 may include: SIB2, which contains cell reselection information primarily related to the serving cell; SIB3, which contains information about the serving frequency and intra-frequency neighboring cells related to cell reselection (including frequency-common cell reselection parameters and cell-specific reselection parameters); SIB4, which contains information about other frequencies of the RAT of the cell (e.g., NR) and intra-frequency neighboring cells related to cell reselection (including frequency-common cell reselection parameters and cell-specific reselection parameters); SIB5, which contains information about frequencies of a less advanced RAT (e.g., E-UTRA) and less advanced RAT neighboring cells related to cell reselection (including frequency-common cell reselection parameters and cell-specific reselection parameters); SIB6, which contains Earthquake and Tsunami Warning System (ETWS) primary notifications; SIB7, which contains ETWS auxiliary notifications; SIB8, which contains Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS) warning notifications; and SIB9, which contains information related to Global Positioning Service (GPS) time and Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). The base station 104 may broadcast one or more of these SIBs on the first initial DL BWP, the second initial DL BWP, or both, and the base station 104 may broadcast the same content or different content on the first initial BWP and the second initial BWP.

[0051] After UE 102A selects 230 a first initial BWP, UE 102A begins communicating 240 with base station 104 on the first initial BWP. UE 102A, for example, transmits a random access preamble on the UL component of the selected initial BWP and receives a random access response on the DL component of the selected initial BWP. UE 102A may generate one or more transmissions on one or more PUSCHs allocated in the UL portion of the first initial BWP and receive one or more transmissions on one or more PDSCHs allocated in the DL portion of the first initial BWP. Furthermore, UE 102A may transmit HARQ feedback (e.g., HARQ ACK or HARQ NACK) for each PDSCH transmission from base station 104 on the first initial DL BWP. As another example, during event 240, base station 104 may transmit a paging message on the first initial DL BWP to page UE 102A.

[0052] UE 102B resides on the same cell of base station 104, but unlike UE 102A, selects 232 a second initial BWP. UE 102B retrieves the PDCCH configuration from the MIB and receives one or more SIBs based on the PDCCH configuration. UE 102B may receive at least one DCI from base station 104 on one or more PDCCHs allocated in the second initial DL BWP. Thus, UE 102A and UE 102B receive different DCI. At least some of the DCI received by UE 102B includes configurations for one or more PUSCH transmissions, and at least some of the DCI may include configurations for one or more PDSCH transmissions.

[0053] When UE 102B resides on the second initial DL BWP, UE 102B may also receive at least one SIB on the first initial DL BWP according to the first PDCCH configuration. If base station 104 broadcasts the first MIB on the second initial DL BWP, UE 102B residing on the second initial DL BWP may receive at least one SIB on the second initial DL BWP according to the first PDCCH configuration.

[0054] As described above, the base station 104 may transmit a second SSB on the second initial BWP. The second SSB may include a second PSS, a second PBCH (or a second MIB), and a second SSS. The second MIB may include a second PDCCH configuration (e.g., PDCCH-configuration SIB1) for a UE with low bandwidth capabilities (such as UE 102B) to receive at least one SIB or another SIB that the base station 104 may broadcast on the second initial DL BWP. In one embodiment, the UE 102B may receive the other SIB according to the second PDCCH configuration. In another embodiment, if the at least one SIB includes another fourth PDCCH configuration, the UE 102B may receive the other SIB according to the fourth PDCCH configuration.

[0055] In some embodiments, a second PDCCH configuration configures a second CORESET within a second initial DL BWP. UE 102B may receive DCI on a PDCCH on the second CORESET and may receive at least one SIB or one or more other SIBs on a PDSCH allocated by the DCI. A fourth PDCCH configuration configures a fourth CORESET within the second initial DL BWP. UE 102B may receive DCI on a PDCCH on the fourth CORESET and may receive one or more other SIBs on a PDSCH allocated by the DCI.

[0056] After UE 102B selects 232 the second initial BWP, UE 102B begins communicating 242 with base station 104 via the second initial BWP. UE 102B, for example, transmits a random access preamble on the UL component of the selected initial BWP and receives a random access response on the DL component of the selected initial BWP. UE 102B may generate one or more transmissions on one or more PUSCHs allocated in the UL portion of the second initial BWP and receive one or more transmissions on one or more PDSCHs allocated in the DL portion of the second initial BWP. Furthermore, similar to UE 102A, UE 102B may transmit HARQ feedback (e.g., HARQ ACK or HARQ NACK) for each PDSCH transmission from base station 104 on the second initial DL BWP. As another example, during event 242, base station 104 may transmit a paging message on the second initial DL BWP to page UE 102B.

[0057] In addition, during event 240 or 242, the UE 102A or 102B may generate a HARQ transmission of a medium access control (MAC) protocol data unit (PDU) during a PUSCH transmission, or receive a HARQ transmission of a MAC PDU during a PDSCH transmission. The MAC PDU may include, for example, a radio resource control (RRC) message, a radio link control (RLC) PDU, a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) PDU, or an Internet Protocol (IP) packet. As a more specific example, the UE 102A or 102B may generate such an RRC message, such as an RRC setup request, an RRC resume request, an RRC re-establishment request, an RRC setup complete, an RRC resume complete, an RRC re-establishment complete, or an RRC reconfiguration complete. The UE 102A or 102B may also generate a measurement report message, an UL information transfer message, or a UE assistance information message. Additionally, during event 242 or 243, base station 104 may generate such an RRC message, RRC setup, RRC recovery, RRC re-establishment, or RRC reconfiguration, or generate a DL information transfer message.

[0058] Thus, in scenario 200, base station 104 enables two UEs with different bandwidth capabilities to access base station 104 via different BWPs of different widths. UE 102A with high bandwidth capabilities accesses base station 104 via a wider BWP and can therefore obtain a high data rate. On the other hand, base station 104 also provides a narrower BWP to support UE 102B with low bandwidth capabilities, without requiring UE 102A to also access base station 104 via the narrower BWP and communicate at a lower data rate.

[0059] Now refer to Figure 3In the illustrated scenario 300, UEs 102A and 102B initially operate 302 in an RRC_IDLE state, an RRC_INACTIVE state, or more generally in a state in which there is no active radio connection between the UE and the base station 104. Similar to scenario 200, the base station 104 in this scenario selects 304 a first initial BWP and selects 306 a second initial BWP. Also similar to scenario 200, the first initial BWP may be wide enough to support UEs with high bandwidth capabilities, and the second initial BWP may be narrow and support UEs with low or high bandwidth capabilities.

[0060] The base station 104 generates 312 a first cell (eg, Figure 1B The base station 104 allocates a first physical cell identifier (PCI) to the first cell. The base station 104 also generates 314 a second cell (eg, Figure 1B The base station 104 may allocate a second initial BWP for the second cell within the bandwidth of the first cell, as shown in FIG. Figures 4A to 5C discussed in more detail.

[0061] The base station 104 broadcasts 322 at least one SIB for the first cell, the SIB including the configuration of the first initial BWP but not including the configuration of the second initial BWP. More specifically, the base station 104 transmits a first synchronization signal (SS) associated with the first PCI, which the UE 102A or UE 102B can use for downlink slot or frame synchronization. The base station 104 sends a MIMB on the PBCH including the PDCCH configuration for the first cell (e.g., the PDCCH-Configuration SIB1 element).

[0062] Both UE 102A and UE 102B in exemplary scenario 300 can detect the first SS, but because base station 104 broadcasts 322 at least one SIB over a wide initial DL BWP, only UE 102A, which has high bandwidth capabilities, can properly receive 322 the at least one SIB. UE 102B, which has low bandwidth capabilities, cannot correctly receive 322 the at least one SIB of the first cell.

[0063] The base station 104 also broadcasts 324 at least one SIB for the second cell, the SIB including the configuration of the second initial BWP in the second cell. The base station 104 transmits a second SS associated with the second PCI, which the UE 102A or UE 102B can use for downlink slot or frame synchronization, and transmits an MIB including the PDCCH configuration (e.g., a PDCCH-Configuration SIB1 element) on the PBCH.

[0064] Both UE 102A and UE 102B may receive the second SS, and because base station 104 broadcasts 324 at least one SIB over the narrower initial DL BWP, both UE 102A and UE 102B may receive 324 the at least one SIB for the second cell.

[0065] UE 102A camps on a first cell of base station 104 and selects 330 a first initial BWP that provides a higher data rate for UE 102A. UE 102B camps on a second cell of base station 104 and selects 332 a second initial BWP. After UE 102A selects 330 the first initial BWP, UE 102A begins communicating 340 with base station 104 via the first initial BWP. After UE 102B selects 332 the second initial BWP, UE 102B begins communicating 342 with base station 104 via the second initial BWP. Events 330, 332, 340, and 342 are generally similar to those of scenario 200, except that the initial BWPs belong to the same cell in scenario 300 but to different cells in scenario 200. Figure 2 Events 230, 232, 240, and 242.

[0066] When generating SSB transmissions, MIB transmissions, SIB transmissions, etc., the base station 104 in scenario 300 may implement techniques similar to those discussed above with reference to scenario 200.

[0067] In scenarios 200 and 300, base station 104 may allocate a non-initial BWP to UE 102A and / or UE 102B during events 240, 242, 340, or 342. For example, UE 102A may receive an RRC message including the configuration of a first non-initial DL BWP and / or a first non-initial UL BWP via the DL component of the first initial BWP. The non-initial DL BWP and the non-initial UL BWP may be within the DL bandwidth and UL bandwidth of the corresponding cell, respectively. Depending on the scenario, the non-initial DL / UL BWP may include the initial DL / UL BWP, partially overlap with the initial DL / UL BWP, or not overlap with the initial DL / UL BWP. The base station 104 may allocate a non-initial DL BWP and / or a non-initial UL BWP based on the bandwidth capabilities of the UEs, such that, for example, the non-initial BWP for UE 102B is narrow enough and does not exceed the bandwidth capabilities of UE 102B; on the other hand, the base station 104 allocates a wide non-initial BWP to UE 102A (when available) so that UE 102A can continue to operate at a high data rate.

[0068] According to one scenario, in response to receiving an RRC message configuring a non-initial BWP, UE 102A switches from the DL component of the initial BWP to the DL component of the non-initial BWP and / or switches from the UL component of the initial BWP to the UL component of the non-initial BWP. In another scenario, base station 104 transmits a command on the PDCCH instructing UE 102A to switch from the initial DL BWP to the non-initial DL BWP and / or from the initial UL BWP to the non-initial UL BWP. UE 102A switches the non-initial DL BWP and / or the non-initial UL BWP in response to the command.

[0069] If UE 102A switches from the first initial UL BWP to the non-initial UL BWP in response to the RRC message, UE 102A may transmit an RRC message in response to the received RRC message on the non-initial UL BWP. If UE 102A does not switch from the first initial BWP, UE 102A may transmit an RRC message in response to the received RRC message on the first initial UL BWP.

[0070] In some embodiments, the RRC message received by the UE 102A is an RRC setup message, an RRC resume message, or an RRC reconfiguration, and the RRC response message transmitted by the UE 102A in response is an RRC setup complete, an RRC resume complete, or an RRC reconfiguration complete. The UE 102A transitions to RRC_CONNECTED (or more generally, a state in which the UE 102A has an active radio connection with a base station) and transmits an RRC message, such as RRC setup complete or RRC resume complete, in response. The UE 102A operating in the RRC_CONNECTED state may receive an RRC reconfiguration message and transmit an RRC reconfiguration complete message.

[0071] like Figures 4A to 4C As shown, the width of the first initial BWP 402 may be greater than the width of the second initial BWP 412A-C. The first initial BWP 402 and the second initial BWP 412A-C are both associated with the same cell, as described above with reference to FIG. Figure 2 In the scenario 200 discussed, both the first initial BWP 402 and the second initial BWPs 412A-C are located within the first cell's bandwidth 400. In these examples, the first initial BWP 402 is narrower than the entire bandwidth 400 of the first cell, but in some embodiments, the DL portion of the initial BWP 402 may span the entire DL bandwidth of the first cell, and / or the initial BWP 402 may span the entire UL bandwidth of the first cell.

[0072] More specifically, the DL component of the first initial BWP 402 is wide enough to support a UE 102A with high receive (Rx) bandwidth capability. On the other hand, the DL component of the second initial BWP 412A may not be wide enough to support a UE 102A with high Rx bandwidth capability. The DL component of the second initial BWP 412A is narrow enough to support a UE 102B with low Rx bandwidth capability, such that the UE 102B only supports BWPs 412A-C and not BWP 402 for downlink communications. Additionally or alternatively, the UL component of the first initial BWP 402 is wide enough to support a UE 102A with high transmit (Tx) bandwidth capability. On the other hand, the UL component of the second initial BWP 412A-C may not be wide enough to support a UE 102A with high Tx bandwidth capability. The UL component of the second initial BWP 412A-C is narrow enough to support a UE 102B with low Tx bandwidth capability, such that the UE 102B supports only the BWP 412A and not the BWP 402 for uplink communications.

[0073] exist Figure 4A In the exemplary configuration of , the second initial BWP 412A is completely within the first initial BWP 402. Figure 4BIn another exemplary configuration, the second initial BWP 412B partially overlaps with the initial BWP 402. Figure 4C In yet another exemplary configuration, the first initial BWP 402 and the second initial BWP 412C do not overlap. In some embodiments, the DL portion of the first initial BWP 402 and the DL portion of the second initial BWP 412A together span the entire DL bandwidth of the first cell, either in an overlapping or non-overlapping manner. Similarly, in some embodiments, the UL portion of the first initial BWP 402 and the UL portion of the second initial BWP 412A together span the entire UL bandwidth of the first cell, either in an overlapping or non-overlapping manner.

[0074] exist Figures 5A to 5C In the configuration of FIG, the first initial BWP 502 is associated with the first cell and the second initial BWPs 512A-C are associated with the second cell, as described above with reference to FIG. Figure 3 In the situation 300 discussed. Figures 4A to 4C In the configuration of FIG, the width of the first initial BWP 502 is greater than the width of the second initial BWPs 512A-C. However, both the first initial BWP 502 and the second initial BWPs 512A-C are within the bandwidth 500 of the first cell.

[0075] exist Figure 5A In the exemplary configuration of , the second initial BWP 512A is completely within the first initial BWP 502. The bandwidth 510A of the second cell is completely within the bandwidth 500 of the first cell. In addition, the bandwidth 510A of the second cell is completely within the first initial BWP 502. Figure 5B In another exemplary configuration, the bandwidth 510B of the second cell partially overlaps with the first initial bandwidth 502. The second initial BWP 512B is within the bandwidth 510B of the second cell and partially overlaps with the first initial BWP 502. Figure 5C In yet another exemplary configuration of , the first initial BWP 502 and the second initial BWP 512C do not overlap. In this configuration, the bandwidth 510C of the second cell is within the bandwidth 500 of the first cell, but is completely outside the first initial BWP 502.

[0076] In yet another possible configuration, the base station 104 configures the bandwidth of the second cell to partially overlap with the bandwidth of the first cell, and the initial BWP of the second cell is completely within the initial BWP of the first cell. According to yet another configuration, the bandwidth of the second cell partially overlaps with the bandwidth of the first cell, but the initial BWP of the second cell is completely outside the initial BWP of the first cell.

[0077] For further clarity, Figures 6 to 10Flowcharts illustrating several example methods that may be implemented in UEs 102A and 102B or base station 104 are shown.

[0078] First reference Figure 6 , the base station 104 may implement an exemplary method 600 for configuring a first initial BWP and a second initial BWP in a single cell, such as Figure 1A Shown and referenced Figure 2 Discussion. At block 602, base station 104 configures a first initial BWP (BWP) having a larger width for a UE with high bandwidth capability (such as UE 102A). Figure 2 Next, at block 604, base station 104 configures a second initial BWP ( ) with a smaller width for a UE with low bandwidth capability (such as UE 102B). Figure 2 Next, at block 610, the base station 104 broadcasts the configuration of the first initial BWP and the second initial BWP via one or more SIBs ( Figure 2 Event 220 in ).

[0079] At block 620, the base station 104 determines whether a random access preamble arrives from a UE (such as UE 102A or 102B) on the UL component of the first initial BWP or the UL component of the second initial BWP. If the base station 104 receives the random access preamble on the first initial BWP, the flow proceeds to block 622, where the base station 104 transmits a random access response ( Figure 2 Otherwise, if the base station 104 receives a random access preamble on the second initial BWP, the flow proceeds to block 624, where the base station 104 transmits a random access response on the DL component of the second initial BWP ( Figure 2 Event 242 in ).

[0080] Next, Figure 7 A flow chart depicts an exemplary method 700 for accessing a cell via a first initial BWP or a second initial BWP, which may be implemented, for example, in UE 102A or UE 102B. Specifically, UE 102A or 102B may implement method 700 when base station 104 configures the first initial BWP and the second initial BWP in the same cell.

[0081] At block 702, the UE 102A or 102B receives a configuration for a cell, the configuration including a first initial BWP of a first width and a second initial BWP of a second width. Figure 2At block 704, the UE 102A or 102B selects an initial BWP in view of the bandwidth capabilities of the UE. Thus, the UE 102A may select a first initial BWP ( Figure 2 Event 230 in ), and UE 102B may select a second initial BWP ( Figure 2 At block 706, the UE 102A or 102B accesses the cell via the selected initial BWP. The UE 102A may, for example, access the cell via the first initial BWP ( Figure 2 Event 240 in ), and UE 102B can access the cell through the second initial BWP ( Figure 2 Event 242 in ).

[0082] Now refer to Figure 8 , the base station 104 may implement the exemplary method 800 to configure a first initial BWP in a first cell and a second initial BWP in a second cell, such as Figure 1B As shown in and referenced Figure 3 discuss.

[0083] At block 802, the base station 104 configures a first initial BWP of a larger width for use by a UE with high bandwidth capabilities ( Figure 3 At block 804, the base station 104 configures a second initial BWP of smaller width for use by UEs with low bandwidth capabilities ( Figure 3 At block 812, the base station 104 broadcasts a configuration including a first initial BWP in the first cell ( Figure 3 At event 322 in block 814, the base station 104 broadcasts a configuration including a second initial BWP in the second cell ( Figure 3 Event 324 in ).

[0084] At block 820, the base station 104 determines whether the random access preamble arrived from a UE (such as UE 102A or 102B) on the UL component of a first initial BWP in the first cell or on the UL component of a second initial BWP in the second cell. If the base station 104 receives the random access preamble on the first initial BWP, the flow proceeds to block 832, where the base station 104 transmits a random access response ( Figure 3 Otherwise, if the base station 104 receives a random access preamble on the second initial BWP, the flow proceeds to block 834, where the base station 104 transmits a random access response on the DL component of the second initial BWP ( Figure 3 Event 342 in ).

[0085] Figure 99 is a flow chart of an exemplary method 900 for accessing a first cell or a second cell via a first initial BWP or a second initial BWP, respectively, which may be implemented in UE 102A or 102B. Specifically, when base station 104 configures the first initial BWP and the second initial BWP in different respective cells, UE 102A or 102B may implement method 900, such as Figure 1B shown.

[0086] At block 902, UE 102A or 102B receives a MIB. In some embodiments, each of UE 102A and UE 102B is capable of receiving a first MIB in a first cell (e.g., cell 122A for high-bandwidth capable devices) and a second MIB in a second cell (e.g., cell 122B for low-bandwidth capable devices). However, at block 904, UE 102A or 102B determines whether the CORESET in the PDCCH specifies a bandwidth supported by the UE. For example, in one embodiment, base station 104 configures the first cell such that the CORESET occupies a bandwidth wider than the bandwidth supported by the UE. As a more specific example, the CORESET in the first cell (e.g., cell 122A) may have a bandwidth that is supported by UE 102A but not supported by UE 102B.

[0087] If the UE determines at block 904 that the CORESET is within the UE's bandwidth capabilities, the flow proceeds to block 910. Otherwise, if the CORESET exceeds the UE's bandwidth capabilities, the flow proceeds to block 920, where the UE considers the cell to be barred. Continuing with the above example, UE 102B may consider cell 122B to be barred.

[0088] At block 910, the UE receives at least one SIB ( Figure 3 As described above, the SIB may specify an initial BWP configuration that may exceed the bandwidth capability of the UE ( Figure 3 Event 322 in, as handled by UE 102B) or may be within the bandwidth capability of the UE ( Figure 3 Event 322 in, as processed by UE 102A; Figure 3 324 in , as processed by UE 102A or 102B). If the UE determines at block 912 that the width of the initial BWP exceeds the bandwidth capability of the UE, the flow proceeds to block 920. Otherwise, the flow proceeds to block 914, where the UE camps on the cell ( Figure 3 Event 330 or 332 in ).

[0089] After the UE determines that the cell is blocked at block 920, the UE searches for another cell at block 922. If another cell is available (block 924), the process returns to block 902. Otherwise, the method 900 is complete.

[0090] Next, Figure 10 A flow chart illustrating an exemplary method 1000 for providing access to a RAN to devices with different bandwidth capabilities is shown. Figure 1A or Figure 1B At block 1002, the base station 104 configures a first initial BWP of a first width ( Figure 2 Events 204 and 210 in Figure 3 Events 304 and 312 in Figure 6 Box 602 in; Figure 8 The first initial BWP is within the bandwidth of the first cell ( Figures 4A to 4C The intervals 402 and 400; Figures 5A to 5C intervals 502 and 500 in it).

[0091] At block 1004, the base station configures a second initial BWP of a second width ( Figure 2 Events 206 and 210 in Figure 3 Events 306 and 314 in Figure 6 Box 604 in; Figure 8 The second initial BWP is also within the bandwidth of the first cell ( Figures 4A to 4C intervals 412A-C and 400; Figures 5A to 5C intervals 512A-C in the ).

[0092] At block 1006, the base station 104 transmits an indication of a first initial BWP in the first cell and an indication of a second initial BWP in the first or second cell ( Figure 2 Event 220 in Figure 3 Events 322 and 324 in Figure 6 Box 610 in; Figure 8 814 in the example).

[0093] at last, Figure 11 A flow chart of an exemplary method 1100 for accessing a RAN is shown, which may be implemented in a UE 102A or 102B. At block 1102, the UE 102A or 102B receives a configuration indicating a first initial BWP having a first width and a second initial BWP having a second width. Figure 2 Event 220 in Figure 3 Events 322 and 324 in Figure 6 Box 610 in; Figure 8Next, at block 1104, the UE 102A or 102B selects a first initial BWP or a second initial BWP ( Figure 2 Event 230 or 232 in Figure 3 Event 330 or 332 in Figure 7 Box 704 in; Figure 9 At block 1106, the UE 102A or 102B accesses the RAN via the base station 104 on the selected initial BWP ( Figure 2 Event 240 or 340 in Figure 3 Event 340 or 342 in Figure 7 706 in FIG.

[0094] The following additional considerations apply to the foregoing discussion.

[0095] The user equipment (e.g., UE 102) that can implement the technology of the present disclosure can be any suitable device capable of wireless communication, such as a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a mobile game console, a point of sale (POS) terminal, a health monitoring device, a drone, a camera, a media stream encryption lock, or another personal media device, a wearable device such as a smart watch, a wireless hotspot, a femtocell base station or a broadband router. In addition, in some cases, the user equipment can be embedded in an electronic system, such as a vehicle's onboard head unit or an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). In addition, the user equipment can operate as an Internet of Things (IoT) device or a mobile Internet device (MID). Depending on the type, the user equipment may include one or more general-purpose processors, a computer-readable memory, a user interface, one or more network interfaces, one or more sensors, etc.

[0096] Certain embodiments are described in this disclosure as including logic or multiple components or modules. A module can be a software module (e.g., code stored on a non-transitory machine-readable medium) or a hardware module. A hardware module is a tangible unit that is capable of performing certain operations and can be configured or arranged in a particular manner. A hardware module can include dedicated circuitry or logic that is permanently configured (e.g., as a dedicated processor, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) to perform certain operations. A hardware module can also include programmable logic or circuitry (e.g., as contained in a general-purpose processor or other programmable processor) that is temporarily configured by software to perform certain operations. The decision to implement a hardware module in a dedicated and permanently configured circuit or in a temporarily configured circuit (e.g., configured by software) can be driven by cost and time considerations.

[0097] When implemented in software, the techniques may be provided as part of the operating system, in a library used by multiple applications, in a specific software application, etc. The software may be executed by one or more general-purpose processors or one or more special-purpose processors.

[0098] The following series of various aspects reflect yet another additional embodiment expressly contemplated by the present disclosure.

[0099] Aspect 1. A method in a base station for supporting devices with different bandwidth capabilities, the method comprising configuring, by processing hardware, a first initial bandwidth part (BWP) of a first width within the bandwidth of a first cell, configuring, by processing hardware, a second initial BWP of a second width different from the first width within the bandwidth of the first cell, and transmitting, by processing hardware, an indication of the first BWP in the first cell and an indication of the second BWP in the first cell or a second cell, so that a first user equipment (UE) with the first bandwidth capability accesses the first BWP and a second UE with the second bandwidth capability accesses the second BWP.

[0100] Aspect 2. The method of aspect 1, comprising transmitting, in the first cell, a system information block (SIB) indicating respective locations of the first BWP and the second BWP within the bandwidth of the first cell.

[0101] Aspect 3. The method of aspect 1, comprising transmitting an indication of the first initial BWP in a first SIB in the first cell, and transmitting an indication of the second initial BWP in a second SIB in the second cell.

[0102] Aspect 4. The method of aspect 3 further includes: allocating a first physical cell identifier (PCI) to the first cell; and transmitting a first synchronization signal block (SSB) associated with the first PCI on the DL component of the first initial BWP.

[0103] Aspect 5. The method of aspect 4 further includes: allocating a second PCI to the second cell; and transmitting a second SSB associated with the second PCI on the DL component of the second initial BWP.

[0104] Aspect 6. The method according to any one of aspects 3 to 5 further includes: configuring the second cell to have a bandwidth narrower than the bandwidth of the first cell and completely within the bandwidth of the first cell.

[0105] Aspect 7. The method according to any one of aspects 3 to 5 further includes: configuring the second cell to have a bandwidth narrower than the bandwidth of the first cell and partially overlapping with the first initial BWP of the first cell.

[0106] Aspect 8. The method according to any one of aspects 2 to 5 further includes: configuring the second cell to have a bandwidth that is narrower than the bandwidth of the first cell and does not overlap with the first initial BWP of the first cell.

[0107] Aspect 9. The method of any one of aspects 1 to 8, wherein the second initial BWP is entirely within the first initial BWP.

[0108] Aspect 10. The method of any one of aspects 1 to 8, wherein the second initial BWP partially overlaps with the first initial BWP.

[0109] Aspect 11. The method of any one of aspects 1 to 8, wherein the first initial BWP and the second initial BWP do not overlap.

[0110] Aspect 12. The method of any preceding aspect, wherein configuring each of the first initial BWP and the second initial BWP comprises configuring a corresponding uplink (UL) BWP and a corresponding downlink (DL) BWP.

[0111] Aspect 13. The method as described in any of the preceding aspects also includes: receiving a first random access preamble code on the UL part of the first initial BWP from the first UE through processing hardware; and receiving a second random access preamble code on the UL part of the second initial BWP from the second UE through processing hardware.

[0112] Aspect 14. The method as described in Aspect 13 also includes: transmitting, by processing hardware, a configuration of a first non-initial BWP for allowing the first UE to switch to, through the DL portion of the first initial BWP; and transmitting, by processing hardware, a configuration of a second non-initial BWP for allowing the second UE to switch to, through the DL portion of the second initial BWP.

[0113] Aspect 15. A base station comprising processing hardware and configured to implement the method of any one of aspects 1 to 14.

[0114] Aspect 16. A method in a UE for accessing a RAN, comprising: receiving, by processing hardware, a configuration indicating a first initial bandwidth part (BWP) of a first width and a second initial BWP of a second width; selecting, by processing hardware, one of the first initial BWP or the second initial BWP in view of the bandwidth capability of the UE; and accessing, by processing hardware, the RAN via the selected initial BWP.

[0115] Aspect 17. The method of aspect 16, comprising receiving the first initial BWP and the second initial BWP when the UE is in an idle or inactive state of a protocol for controlling radio resources between the UE and the RAN.

[0116] Aspect 18. The method of Aspect 16 further includes: receiving, by processing hardware, a master information block (MIB) of a cell, the MIB specifying a control resource set (CORESET) within a first initial BWP; in response to determining that the width of the CORESET is greater than the bandwidth capability of the UE: not selecting a cell having the MIB and searching for a new cell.

[0117] Aspect 19. The method of any one of aspects 16 to 18, wherein receiving the configuration comprises receiving a SIB indicating respective positions of the first BWP and the second BWP within a bandwidth of the cell.

[0118] Aspect 20. The method of any one of aspects 16 to 18, wherein receiving the configuration comprises receiving an indication of a first initial BWP in a first SIB in the first cell, and receiving an indication of a second initial BWP in a second SIB in the second cell.

[0119] Aspect 21. The method of aspect 20, wherein the second cell has a bandwidth narrower than a bandwidth of the first cell and completely within the bandwidth of the first cell.

[0120] Aspect 22. The method of any one of aspects 16 to 21, wherein receiving the configuration comprises receiving an indication that the second initial BWP is completely within the first initial BWP.

[0121] Aspect 23. The method of any one of aspects 16 to 20, wherein receiving the configuration comprises receiving an indication that the second initial BWP partially overlaps with the first initial BWP.

[0122] Aspect 24. The method of any one of aspects 16 to 20, wherein receiving the configuration comprises receiving an indication that the first initial BWP and the second initial BWP do not overlap.

[0123] Aspect 25. The method of any one of aspects 16 to 24, wherein accessing the RAN comprises: transmitting, by processing hardware, a random access preamble on a UL portion of the selected initial BWP; and receiving, by processing hardware, a random access response on a DL portion of the selected initial BWP.

[0124] Aspect 26. A user equipment comprising processing hardware and configured to implement the method of any one of aspects 16 to 25.

Claims

1. A method in a base station for supporting devices with different bandwidth capabilities, the method comprising: Allocate a first initial bandwidth part BWP of a first width within the bandwidth of the first cell; configuring a second initial BWP having a second width different from the first width within the bandwidth of the first cell; transmitting an indication of a first initial BWP in the first cell and an indication of a second initial BWP in the first cell or the second cell; Transmitting, in the first cell, a system information block SIB indicating respective positions of a first initial BWP and a second initial BWP within a bandwidth of the first cell; receiving a first random access preamble on a UL portion of a first initial BWP from a first user equipment (UE) capable of the first bandwidth; receiving a second random access preamble on the UL portion of a second initial BWP from a second UE capable of a second bandwidth; transmitting a first response to the first random access preamble to the first UE over a DL part of a first initial BWP; as well as A second response to the second random access preamble is transmitted to the second UE over a DL portion of a second initial BWP. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second width is smaller than the first width.

3. The method of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the first initial BWP and the second initial BWP do not overlap. 4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein configuring each of the first initial BWP and the second initial BWP comprises configuring a corresponding uplink (UL) BWP and a corresponding downlink (DL) BWP.

5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: transmitting, to the first UE through the DL portion of the first initial BWP, a configuration for allowing the first UE to switch to the first non-initial BWP; as well as A configuration for allowing the second UE to switch to the second non-initial BWP is transmitted to the second UE through the DL part of the second initial BWP.

6. A base station comprising processing hardware and configured to implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A method in a user equipment (UE) for accessing a radio access network (RAN), the method comprising: receiving a system information block (SI B), the SI B including a configuration indicating a first initial bandwidth part (BWP) of a first width and a second initial BWP of a second width different from the first width, wherein the SI B indicates respective positions of the first initial BWP and the second initial BWP within a bandwidth of a cell; selecting one of a first initial BWP or a second initial BWP in view of the bandwidth capability of the UE; as well as Accessing the RAN via the selected initial BWP, wherein accessing the RAN comprises: Transmitting a random access preamble on the UL portion of the selected initial BWP, and A random access response is received on the DL portion of the selected initial BWP.

8. The method of claim 7, comprising receiving the SIB when the UE is in an idle or inactive state of a protocol for controlling radio resources between the UE and the RAN.

9. The method of claim 7, further comprising: receiving a master information block (MIB) of a cell, wherein the MIB specifies a control resource set (CORESET) within the first initial BWP; In response to determining that the width of the CORESET is greater than the bandwidth capability of the UE: The cell with the MIB is not selected, and Find a new neighborhood.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein receiving the SIB comprises receiving an indication that the first initial BWP and the second initial BWP do not overlap.

11. The method of claim 7, further comprising: A configuration for allowing the UE to switch to a non-initial BWP is received through the DL portion of the selected initial BWP.

12. User equipment comprising processing hardware and configured to implement the method of any one of claims 7 to 11.

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