Bandwidth Part Switching for Wireless Terminal Power Optimization

The patent applies dynamics by making the terminal bandwidth adjustable rather than fixed. The terminal can dynamically switch between different bandwidth parts (BPs) based on current data transmission requirements. When small data transmission is needed, the terminal activates only a smaller BP, reducing power consumption. When large data transmission is needed, the terminal activates a larger BP or the full maximum supportable bandwidth, ensuring adequate capacity. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining adaptability and reducing energy consumption.

The patent segments the total carrier bandwidth into multiple bandwidth parts (BPs), each with different sizes and characteristics. Instead of requiring the terminal to activate the entire maximum supportable bandwidth, the network can allocate specific BPs to the terminal based on current needs. The terminal activates only the allocated BP(s), which may be a fraction of the maximum supportable bandwidth, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining the ability to access larger bandwidths when needed by switching to different BPs.

The patent segments the fixed carrier bandwidth into multiple bandwidth parts (BPs) with different configurations. The overall carrier bandwidth structure remains fixed and simple, but within this structure, multiple BPs are defined that can be selectively allocated to terminals. This segmentation allows flexible resource allocation and improved utilization efficiency without changing the fundamental fixed carrier bandwidth design, thus avoiding increased system complexity.

The patent changes parameters by defining multiple BPs with different bandwidth sizes, subcarrier spacings, and other configuration parameters within the fixed carrier bandwidth framework. The network can allocate different BP configurations to different terminals or to the same terminal at different times based on traffic requirements. This parameter variation within a fixed structure enables flexible resource utilization without complicating the overall system design.

The patent segments the bandwidth configuration into multiple BPs, each with its own configuration parameters. Instead of requiring separate full configurations for each possible bandwidth scenario, the system defines multiple BPs upfront with different characteristics. The network can then allocate specific BPs to terminals using compact signaling that references these pre-defined segments, providing flexibility without proportionally increasing signaling overhead.

The patent creates a universal BP configuration framework where multiple BPs are defined with standardized parameters and structures. These BPs can serve multiple purposes: different terminals can be allocated different BPs based on their needs, and the same BPs can be reused across different terminals and time periods. This multi-functionality provides adaptability while avoiding redundant configuration signaling, as the BP definitions serve as universal templates.

The patent applies dynamics by enabling the terminal to adjust its active bandwidth dynamically based on current data transmission requirements. The network monitors the terminal's traffic needs and allocates appropriate bandwidth parts accordingly. When small data transmission is needed, the terminal activates only a smaller BP, minimizing power consumption. When large data transmission is needed, the terminal activates a larger BP or multiple BPs, ensuring adequate transmission capacity. This dynamic adjustment eliminates unnecessary power consumption while maintaining required data transmission capacity.

The patent applies partial action by allocating to the terminal only the portion of bandwidth that is currently needed for data transmission, rather than requiring the terminal to activate the full maximum supportable bandwidth or a fixed large bandwidth. The network allocates specific bandwidth parts that match the actual traffic requirements, allowing the terminal to use only the necessary bandwidth resources and avoid activating excessive bandwidth that would consume unnecessary power.