DCI-Based BWP Switching for 5G Latency Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G networks, face challenges in efficiently managing bandwidth and latency due to saturated cellular frequencies, and existing techniques for LTE operation in unlicensed spectra have limitations in terms of flexibility and interference management.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of DCI-based BWP (Bandwidth Part) switching, which allows for dynamic configuration and switching of BWP candidates using RRC signaling and DCI, enabling efficient resource allocation and interference management across different frequency bands, including unlicensed spectra.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional LTE operation in unlicensed spectrum is used, then coverage and basic connectivity are provided, but bandwidth utilization is insufficient and latency is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic BWP switching that allows the system to adaptively change bandwidth configurations based on real-time traffic conditions. The UE can switch between different BWPs (e.g., from a first BWP to a second BWP) dynamically, enabling the system to optimize bandwidth utilization and reduce latency according to actual network demands rather than using static configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key operational parameters by introducing multiple BWPs with different bandwidth configurations, subcarrier spacings, and cyclic prefix lengths. By switching between these pre-configured parameter sets, the system can rapidly adapt to varying traffic conditions, improving both bandwidth utilization and latency performance without requiring complex real-time parameter optimization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple BWPs are configured for switching, then network flexibility and bandwidth utilization improve, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple BWPs with different parameter sets before actual data transmission begins. The network node and UE are provided with configuration information including multiple BWPs, their parameters, and switching rules in advance. This allows the system to maintain high flexibility during operation while keeping the actual switching process simple, as the complex configuration work is done beforehand.
3Productivity
If BWP switching is implemented dynamically, then latency is reduced and bandwidth utilization improves, but interference management becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring different BWPs with specific parameters optimized for different scenarios. Each BWP can have tailored subcarrier spacing, cyclic prefix length, and frequency location to suit specific traffic types or interference conditions. This localized optimization within each BWP allows the system to manage interference effectively while maintaining high bandwidth utilization, as each BWP can be independently optimized without affecting the entire system.
Data Source
AI summary
User equipment (UE) includes processing circuitry coupled to memory. To configure the UE for active bandwidth part (BWP) switching, the processing circuitry is to decode RRC signaling configuring a plurality of BWPs for the UE. The RRC signaling further includes an indicator for an initial BWP of the plurality of BWPs for initial use by the UE as an active BWP. DCI received on a PDCCH is decoded, which includes a BWP indicator for switching the active BWP from the initial BWP to another BWP of the plurality of BWPs. RF and baseband parameters to switch the active BWP from the initial BWP to the another BWP are reconfigured. Reconfiguring the RF and baseband parameters cause an interruption of one or more slots of a serving cell of the UE. A starting time of the interruption is within a time duration of a BWP switching delay supported by the UE.