BWP Configuration for RACH in 5G mmWave Handover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 5G wireless communication systems face challenges in handling bandwidth part (BWP) configurations for the random access channel (RACH) procedure, particularly in mmWave bands, where beamforming technologies used in LTE systems do not function adequately, leading to inefficiencies in handover procedures and carrier aggregation scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A method is proposed where a base station configures and indicates RACH resources for each BWP in a set of BWPs to user equipment (UE), enabling effective handling of BWP configurations during handovers and in carrier aggregation and dual connectivity scenarios, by activating specific BWPs for RACH procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If beamforming technologies are used in LTE systems for mmWave bands, then transmission distance and signal strength are improved, but the technologies do not function adequately in 5G systems leading to inefficiencies in handover and carrier aggregation scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandover procedure efficiencyVSAvoidBWP configuration adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the bandwidth into multiple bandwidth parts (BWPs), each configured with specific RACH resources. This allows different BWPs to be optimized for different scenarios (handover, carrier aggregation, dual connectivity) rather than using a single monolithic beamforming configuration that fails to adapt to various 5G use cases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables dynamic BWP configuration where the network can activate specific BWPs for RACH procedures based on current operational needs. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to switch between different BWP configurations for handover, carrier aggregation, and dual connectivity scenarios, resolving the inflexibility of static beamforming approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If multiple BWPs are configured for different scenarios, then adaptability and efficiency are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRACH procedure efficiencyVSAvoidBWP configuration management
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-configures multiple BWPs with dedicated RACH resources before handover or special scenarios occur. By having BWPs prepared in advance with appropriate RACH configurations, the system avoids complex real-time decisions during critical moments, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal BWP framework where a single configuration mechanism handles multiple scenarios (handover, carrier aggregation, dual connectivity). Instead of separate complex configurations for each scenario, the same BWP configuration system serves all purposes, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3677086B1Apparatus and method for handling bandwidth part configuration for random access channel procedure in wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2023.11.15 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3677086B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3677086B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3677086B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a pre-5th-Generation (5G) or 5G communication system to be provided for supporting higher data rates Beyond 4th-Generation (4G) communication system such as Long Term Evolution (LTE). Embodiments herein disclose a method of handling BWP configurations for a RACH procedure in a wireless network. The method includes configuring, by a BS, a BWP configuration comprising RACH resource for each BWP in a set of BWPs for the RACH procedure. Further, the method includes indicating, by the BS, the RACH resource for each of the BWPs in the set of BWPs to a UE in the wireless network.