BWP Switching Rules for RedCap UE Inactivity Timer Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 5G mobile communication systems face challenges in efficiently handling BWP switching commands, particularly for RedCap UEs, due to the lack of clear guidelines for starting or restarting BWP inactivity timers, which can lead to inefficiencies and resource mismanagement.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for handling BWP switching commands based on UE type, specifically for RedCap UEs, by defining conditions under which a BWP inactivity timer is started or restarted, including scenarios where default or initial bandwidth parts are not configured or indicated.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If BWP switching commands are handled without clear guidelines for RedCap UEs, then the system maintains simplicity in implementation, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates and latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidBWP switching handling complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing specific BWP switching handling rules tailored to RedCap UEs rather than applying uniform rules to all UEs. The base station configures RedCap UEs with specific parameters (defaultDownlinkBWP-Id, firstActiveDownlinkBWP-Id) and the UEs follow specific procedures for timer management and BWP switching based on their reduced capability status, optimizing resource utilization for this specific device category.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the BWP switching handling into distinct cases based on UE type (RedCap vs. non-RedCap). Different timer management rules are applied: RedCap UEs use bwp-InactivityTimer with specific starting/restarting conditions, while other UEs may use different mechanisms. This segmentation allows optimized handling for each UE category without compromising overall system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If BWP inactivity timer is started or restarted without clear criteria, then resource management flexibility is improved, but system reliability deteriorates due to uncertain behavior

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource management flexibilityVSAvoidBWP switching reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring BWP parameters and timer rules for RedCap UEs before actual BWP switching occurs. The base station provides RRC configuration including defaultDownlinkBWP-Id and firstActiveDownlinkBWP-Id, and pre-defines the conditions under which bwp-InactivityTimer should be started or restarted. This ensures deterministic and reliable timer behavior while maintaining flexibility in resource management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE monitors downlink assignments and uplink grants, and based on this feedback, determines whether to start or restart the bwp-InactivityTimer. The timer management is tied to actual traffic patterns and scheduling decisions, ensuring reliable and adaptive BWP switching behavior that responds to real-time network conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20260020046A1Method and apparatus of handling BWP switching command based on UE type

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a 5G or 6G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate. The disclosure relates to a wireless communication system. Specifically. the disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method of handing BWP switching command based on UE type.