Bandwidth Part Switching for Reduced Capability User Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in managing network access for user equipment (UEs) with varying capabilities, particularly in switching between bandwidth parts (BWP) to receive system information efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The described techniques enable a UE to switch from a first BWP to a second BWP to receive system information based on triggers like control signaling or timer expiration, and then switch back to the first BWP without additional signaling, allowing for additional processing time if necessary, with switching durations influenced by subcarrier spacing, frequency range, and UE capability parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a UE switches to a second BWP to receive system information, then system information acquisition is enabled, but switching duration and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network configures the UE with multiple BWPs in advance, including a first BWP for reduced capability UEs and a second BWP for system information reception. The UE is pre-configured with switching parameters and timing information, allowing it to switch to the second BWP when needed without extensive processing delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic BWP switching where the UE can transition between the first BWP and second BWP based on triggering events such as timer expiration or receiving specific signaling. This dynamic approach allows the UE to maintain operation on the first BWP for efficiency while quickly switching to the second BWP when system information is required.
2Productivity
If a UE with reduced capabilities operates on a first BWP, then resource allocation is optimized, but access to system information becomes less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier bandwidth is segmented into multiple BWPs with different characteristics. The first BWP is optimized for reduced capability UEs with appropriate resource allocation, while the second BWP is specifically designated for system information transmission. This segmentation allows each BWP to be optimized for its specific purpose without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The second BWP acts as an intermediary resource that the UE can access temporarily to obtain system information without permanently leaving the first BWP. The UE switches to the second BWP, retrieves necessary system information, and then returns to the first BWP to continue efficient operation.
3Ease of operation
If additional signaling is used to switch BWPs, then BWP switching control is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UE is configured with autonomous BWP switching capabilities where it can independently switch between BWPs based on pre-configured parameters and local decisions. Triggers for switching include timer expiration or reception of specific downlink signals, allowing the UE to self-manage BWP transitions without requiring continuous network signaling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key parameters such as subcarrier spacing, cyclic prefix length, and resource allocation patterns when switching between BWPs. These parameter changes are pre-configured and automatically applied by the UE when switching occurs, reducing the need for additional signaling to negotiate each parameter change.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication are described. A user equipment (UE), such as a UE with reduced capabilities, may switch from a first bandwidth part (BWP) to a second BWP to receive system information for a carrier that includes the first and second BWPs. The UE may switch to the second BWP to receive system information based on a trigger (e.g., control signaling or an expiration of a timer) and then switch back to the first BWP without additional signaling to continue operation. In some examples, the UE may receive additional signaling (e.g., data, control signaling, reference signals) in the second BWP. In some examples, a BWP switching duration may include additional time to process the system information received in the second BWP, for example if the system information includes instructions to switch to a third BWP (e.g., rather than returning to the first BWP).