Adaptive BWP Configuration for Fast Wireless Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in bandwidth part (BWP) switching due to long RRC reconfiguration times, particularly for devices with high mobility or near cell edges, limiting the practical application of multiple BWPs and introducing significant overhead.

Innovation Solution

Adaptive algorithms for dynamically configuring BWPs based on use cases and device context, utilizing DCI for swift BWP switching, allowing pre-configured BWPs to be activated as needed, thereby optimizing BWP usage and minimizing RRC overhead.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If RRC reconfiguration is used to switch BWP, then BWP switching capability is achieved, but switching time is long

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveBWP switching speedVSAvoidswitching delay

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-configures multiple BWPs (bandwidth parts) for the wireless device before actual switching is needed. These pre-configured BWPs are stored and ready for immediate activation. When switching is required, the system simply activates one of the pre-configured BWPs using DCI (Downlink Control Information) instead of performing full RRC reconfiguration, thereby dramatically reducing switching delay.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the BWP switching function from the RRC reconfiguration process and separates it into a faster, independent mechanism using DCI. By taking out the switching operation from the lengthy RRC procedure, the system achieves rapid BWP switching without triggering full reconfiguration, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving switching capability and minimizing switching time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple BWPs are configured for different use cases, then adaptability is improved, but RRC overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveBWP configuration adaptabilityVSAvoidRRC overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary configuration of multiple BWPs covering different use cases (e.g., different numerologies, bandwidths, and configurations) during initial connection or RRC reconfiguration events. These pre-configured BWPs are stored in the wireless device and can be rapidly switched between using compact DCI signaling, avoiding the need for repeated RRC reconfiguration messages and reducing overall RRC overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces DCI (Downlink Control Information) as an intermediary mechanism between the network and the wireless device for BWP switching. Instead of using bulky RRC reconfiguration messages for every BWP switch, the compact DCI format serves as an efficient mediator that carries switching commands with minimal overhead, thus maintaining high adaptability while reducing RRC message overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12621815B2Bandwidth part configuration based on use case

Publication Date: 2026.05.05 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A method for a network node to adaptively configure bandwidth parts, BWPs, for a wireless device, WD, is provided. The method includes selecting at least one use case to be assigned to at least one BWP, the selecting being based at least in part on a WD context. The method further includes adaptively configuring at least one BWP for the WD based on the selected at least one use case. In addition, a method for a WD supporting communication with a network node is provided. Further, corresponding apparatuses for the network node and the WD are provided.