BWP Switching Without SCell Deactivation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In New Radio (NR) communication networks, reconfiguring an active Bandwidth Part (BWP) for a secondary cell (SCell) requires deactivation and reactivation, leading to significant signaling and processing overhead, which increases latency and delays in BWP switching.

Innovation Solution

The method allows for BWP switching without deactivating the SCell, by changing the firstActiveDownlinkBWP-Id or firstActiveUplinkBWP-Id configuration parameters, enabling activation of a previously non-active BWP and deactivation of an active BWP, thereby minimizing signaling and processing delays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If BWP reconfiguration for SCell is performed using conventional methods, then the BWP can be reconfigured, but SCell deactivation and reactivation are required, leading to significant signaling and processing overhead

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveBWP reconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidsignaling and processing overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the BWP reconfiguration process from the SCell activation/deactivation process. Instead of requiring complete SCell deactivation and reactivation, the invention allows independent BWP configuration changes through separate RRC messages, decoupling these two functions to reduce overhead

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the configuration parameters (firstActiveDownlinkBWP-Id and firstActiveUplinkBWP-Id) directly through RRC reconfiguration messages without triggering SCell deactivation. This parameter change approach allows BWP switching while maintaining SCell active state, reducing signaling overhead

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If SCell deactivation and reactivation is performed for BWP reconfiguration, then BWP can be switched, but latency and delays increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveBWP switching capabilityVSAvoidBWP switching latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent prepares multiple BWP configurations in advance within the SCell configuration parameters, allowing the UE to switch between pre-configured BWPs without requiring reactivation. The firstActiveDownlinkBWP-Id and firstActiveUplinkBWP-Id parameters are pre-set to enable rapid switching

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention maintains continuous SCell operation during BWP switching by avoiding deactivation. The SCell remains active throughout the reconfiguration process, ensuring continuous useful action without interruption or latency associated with deactivation/reactivation cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS12108377B2Enhancement to bandwidth part (BWP) switching for secondary cell (SCell)

Publication Date: 2024.10.01 APPLE INC

AI summary

Systems, methods and devices can are provided, which can include configuring one or more bandwidth parts for a secondary cell (SCell) that is in communication with a user equipment (UE). A base station transmits to a UE a first radio resource control (RRC) message including one or more configuration parameters for a first bandwidth part (BWP) associated with a secondary cell (SCell). The UE communicates a first message with the SCell via the first SCell BWP. The UE receives a second RRC message indicating a change from the first SCell BWP to a second SCell BWP to be used for SCell communications. The UE communicates a second message with the SCell via the second SCell BWP.