5G NR Small Gap Configuration for Seamless BWP Transitions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional measurement gap patterns in 5G NR networks cause interruptions due to bandwidth part (BWP) transitions or secondary cell (SCell) state transitions, leading to inefficiencies in UE communication.

Innovation Solution

Implement Network Controlled Small Gap (NCSG) configurations, where a gNB determines and configures parameters for UE to minimize interruptions during BWP transitions or SCell state changes, aligning with legacy measurement gap patterns to reduce or eliminate disruptions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional measurement gap patterns are used, then measurement functionality is provided, but interruptions occur due to BWP transitions or SCell state transitions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication continuityVSAvoidinterruption duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic measurement gap patterns where the gNB controls the timing and duration of measurement gaps based on current network conditions and UE state. This allows the system to adaptively adjust measurement opportunities to coincide with BWP transitions or SCell state changes, thereby eliminating interruptions while maintaining measurement functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The gNB performs preliminary configuration of measurement gap patterns before BWP transitions or SCell state changes occur. By pre-planning and coordinating measurement opportunities with upcoming state transitions, the system ensures that measurements are taken at optimal times without causing communication interruptions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If measurement gaps are configured for SCell measurements, then measurement accuracy is improved, but communication interruptions increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidcommunication efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts measurement gap parameters such as gap duration, repetition period, and timing based on network conditions, UE capabilities, and measurement requirements. This optimization ensures sufficient measurement accuracy while minimizing the impact on communication efficiency by reducing unnecessary interruptions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If BWP transitions are performed, then network adaptability is improved, but interruptions due to SCell state transitions occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork adaptabilityVSAvoidtransition interruption time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The gNB performs preliminary coordination of BWP transitions with SCell state changes and measurement gap configurations. By pre-planning these transitions and aligning them with appropriate measurement opportunities, the system enables smooth BWP switching without causing communication interruptions or degrading user experience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12574782B2Network controlled small gap (NCSG) configurations to reduce interruptions due to intra-rat bandwidth part (BWP) transitions

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 INTEL CORP

AI summary

In a fifth-generation (5G) new radio (NR) network, a generation node B (gNB) determines parameters for a Network Controlled Small Gap (NCSG) to reduce and/or eliminate interruptions at a user equipment (UE) for use when the UE is transitioning to a new target frequency for measurements or when the UE is switching or transiting between bandwidth parts (BWPs). The NCSG may be configured to align with one or more fundamental parameters of a legacy measurement gap (MG) pattern to reduce the interruptions.