Bandwidth Part Switching Feedback Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G New Radio (NR) networks, the inefficiency arises when user equipment (UE) completes bandwidth part (BWP) switching before the predefined time period, leading to unnecessary delays in network communication, as the network waits for the UE to finish switching to the new BWP before utilizing the new bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
The method involves signaling from the base station to the UE to initiate a BWP switch and allows the UE to communicate using the new BWP once the switch is complete, even if this occurs before the predefined time period, by using mechanisms like periodic sounding reference signals or physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) channel quality information (CQI) reporting to indicate readiness for the new BWP.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the network waits for the UE to complete BWP switching within the predefined time period before utilizing the new BWP, then the switching reliability is ensured, but the network efficiency deteriorates due to unnecessary delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the UE signals to the base station that BWP switching is complete. The base station receives this feedback and uses it to determine when to start utilizing the new BWP. This feedback loop allows the system to achieve both reliable switching (by confirming completion) and high network efficiency (by starting data communication as soon as switching is confirmed complete, even if before the predefined time period).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment of the BWP utilization timing. Instead of a fixed predefined time period, the system dynamically determines when to start using the new BWP based on actual switching completion status signaled by the UE. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to varying switching speeds and achieve optimal efficiency while maintaining reliability.
2Speed
If the UE completes BWP switching before the predefined time period, then the switching speed is improved, but the network efficiency deteriorates due to idle periods
Solution Approach 1:
The UE provides feedback to the base station indicating when switching is complete. This feedback mechanism eliminates idle periods by allowing the base station to immediately start utilizing the new BWP once switching is confirmed complete, even if the UE finishes before the predefined time period. The feedback ensures synchronized operation and optimal network efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The UE performs preliminary switching actions faster than the predefined time period, but the base station waits for confirmation feedback before initiating data communication. This preliminary action approach allows the UE to prepare early while ensuring the base station is ready, eliminating idle periods and optimizing overall system efficiency.
3Productivity
If the network uses the new BWP immediately after switching indication, then the network efficiency is improved, but the switching reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The base station waits for explicit feedback from the UE confirming BWP switching completion before initiating data communication on the new BWP. This feedback requirement ensures reliability by verifying the UE is truly ready, while the system maintains high efficiency by utilizing the new BWP as soon as confirmation is received, rather than waiting for the predefined time period to expire.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus of a device that switches bandwidth parts for a user equipment device and a base station is described. In an exemplary embodiment, the device receives an indication to switch to the bandwidth part for the user equipment on the wireless link from the base station. In addition, the device switches to the new bandwidth part for the user equipment. The device further signals that the switching to the new bandwidth part has occurred in a time period smaller than a predefined time period. The deice additionally communicates information on the wireless link using the new bandwidth part.