Autonomous Bandwidth Part Switching for 5G Spectrum Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G wireless communication systems, dynamic changes in bandwidth allocation due to shared spectrum usage with incumbents can lead to service disruptions and increased control plane load, particularly in scenarios where the frequency changes impact synchronization signal blocks and require frequent handovers, which can result in dropped calls and inefficient spectrum utilization.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method for user equipment (UE) to autonomously switch between mutually exclusive configured bandwidth parts (BWP) based on received switching criteria, such as synchronization signal block detection or changes in master information block parameterization, to minimize disruptions and optimize spectrum usage without simultaneous operation of old and new BWPs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If frequent handovers are performed to adapt to dynamic bandwidth allocation in shared spectrum, then spectrum utilization is improved, but service disruption and control plane load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple bandwidth parts (BWPs) and their associated parameters before actual switching is needed. The UE stores configuration information about multiple BWPs in advance, so when a handover is required, the target BWP is already prepared and can be activated immediately without causing service disruption. This resolves the contradiction by enabling frequent spectrum adaptation while maintaining continuous service through advance preparation of backup configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If frequent handovers are performed to adapt to dynamic bandwidth allocation, then spectrum utilization is improved, but control plane load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network node performs preliminary configuration of multiple BWPs and transmits their parameters to the UE in advance. This pre-provisioning eliminates the need for real-time control plane signaling during handovers, as the UE already possesses the necessary configuration information. The control plane load is reduced because only minimal activation signals are needed rather than full reconfiguration messages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service by allowing the UE to autonomously select and switch between pre-configured BWPs based on local conditions without requiring continuous network control. The UE independently monitors signal quality and activates appropriate BWPs using stored configuration information, reducing the control plane burden while maintaining adaptive spectrum utilization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If synchronization signal blocks are reconfigured due to frequency changes, then spectrum sharing with incumbents is improved, but service continuity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple BWPs with different frequency locations and synchronization signal block parameters before frequency changes occur. When the network needs to share spectrum with incumbents by adjusting frequency, the UE already has backup BWP configurations ready that maintain service continuity. The target BWP includes pre-prepared synchronization information, eliminating service disruption during frequency adaptation.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for mutually exclusive configurations. The method may include operating on at least part of a first bandwidth part. The method may also include receiving, from a network node, an information of switching criterion for switching from the first bandwidth part to a second bandwidth part. The method may further include determining, at a user equipment, whether to switch to operate on at least part of the second bandwidth part based on the received information of switching criterion. In addition, the method may include based on the determination, switching to operate on at least part of the second bandwidth part.