BWP Inactivity Timer Management for 5G Multiple Active Bandwidth Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently handling multiple active bandwidth parts (BWPs) and managing BWP inactivity timers, particularly in scenarios involving licensed shared bands and diverse use cases, which affects channel quality measurement and terminal signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for determining whether a BWP inactivity timer has expired and deciding whether to switch the active downlink BWP to a default or initial BWP, including deactivating active BWPs when necessary, based on configuration information and ongoing random access procedures, to manage BWP inactivity effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple active BWPs are configured for different use cases, then service diversity and adaptability are improved, but system complexity and difficulty of managing inactivity timers increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the BWP management by introducing separate inactivity timers for different BWPs configured for different use cases (e.g., eMBB, URLLC, mMTC). Each BWP can have its own timer configuration, allowing independent management of each bandwidth part's activity state, thus reducing the complexity of managing multiple active BWPs while maintaining service diversity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic BWP switching based on timer expiration and activity detection. The system can dynamically activate or deactivate specific BWPs based on whether they are currently active and whether data transmission is detected, allowing the system to adapt to changing traffic conditions while managing complexity through automated timer-based control.
2Loss of energy
If BWP switching is performed based on inactivity timer expiration, then energy efficiency is improved, but transmission delay may increase due to switching to default BWP
Solution Approach 1:
The patent configures a default BWP in advance that is ready for immediate activation when the inactivity timer expires. This preliminary preparation ensures that when switching is needed, the terminal can quickly activate the pre-configured default BWP without extensive reconfiguration, thus minimizing transmission delay while still achieving energy efficiency through timely deactivation of inactive BWPs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows dynamic adjustment of the inactivity timer duration and BWP switching parameters to balance energy efficiency and transmission delay. By optimizing timer values and switching behavior based on traffic patterns, the system can reduce energy consumption during idle periods while ensuring quick recovery to active state when data transmission is detected.
3Reliability
If multiple BWPs are simultaneously active for different services, then service quality is improved, but resource management complexity and interference risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments resource management by associating each active BWP with dedicated time-frequency resources and separate inactivity timers. This segmentation allows independent monitoring and management of each BWP's resource usage, reducing the complexity of managing multiple simultaneous BWPs while maintaining service quality through dedicated resource allocation for each service type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through inactivity timers that continuously monitor data transmission activity on each BWP. When activity is detected, the timer is reset; when it expires, the BWP is deactivated. This feedback-driven approach automates resource management, reducing complexity while ensuring that active BWPs receive appropriate resources and inactive ones are released, thereby managing interference and resource allocation efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a communication method and system for converging a 5th-Generation (5G) communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a 4th-Generation (4G) system with a technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the 5G communication technology and the IoT-related technology, such as, one or more of: a smart home, a smart building, a smart city, a smart car, a connected car, health care technologies, digital education technologies, smart retail technologies, and security and safety services. A method and apparatus for handling of multiple active bandwidth parts (BWPs) are provided.