Bandwidth Part Switching Patterns for Low-Overhead Sidelink
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communications systems face increased network overhead and traffic due to the need for frequent control signaling when configuring UEs with different bandwidth parts (BWPs) for sidelink communications, limiting resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
Implementing BWP switching patterns that allow UEs to receive configurations for multiple BWPs, enabling simultaneous or overlapping transmissions, and reducing the need for frequent RRC signaling by using RRC signaling, MAC-CE messages, or both, to activate or modify these patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If base stations perform constant BWP reconfiguration for sidelink communications, then communication flexibility is improved, but control signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple BWPs and switching patterns at the UE before actual sidelink communication occurs. The gNB configures a set of BWPs with different bandwidths and assigns switching patterns that define time intervals for switching between them. This allows the UE to autonomously switch BWPs based on predefined rules without requiring real-time reconfiguration signaling, thus maintaining communication flexibility while reducing control overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by introducing BWP switching patterns that enable UEs to dynamically switch between different BWPs based on traffic conditions. The switching pattern includes parameters such as switching period, time offset, and duration, allowing the UE to adaptively adjust its bandwidth usage over time. This dynamic switching capability provides communication flexibility similar to constant reconfiguration but with significantly reduced signaling overhead since the switching behavior is predetermined.
2Productivity
If multiple BWPs are configured for UEs, then resource utilization improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the available bandwidth into multiple BWPs with different sizes and characteristics. Each BWP is configured with specific parameters including bandwidth, frequency location, and subcarrier spacing. The UE is assigned a set of BWPs indexed from 0 to K-1, and switching patterns define when to switch between them. This segmentation allows efficient resource utilization by matching BWP bandwidth to actual traffic requirements while keeping individual BWP configurations manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through BWP switching patterns that operate on predefined time intervals. The switching pattern includes a switching period parameter that determines how often the UE should switch between BWPs. This periodic switching simplifies UE implementation by providing a regular, predictable switching rhythm rather than requiring complex real-time decisions, thus improving resource utilization without excessively increasing device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If BWP switching frequency is increased, then communication adaptability improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing flexible configuration of BWP switching pattern parameters including switching period, time offset, and duration. The switching period can be adjusted to balance adaptability and power consumption - longer periods reduce switching frequency and power usage, while shorter periods increase adaptability. The gNB can configure different switching patterns for different UEs based on their specific requirements, enabling each UE to operate at an optimal point on the adaptability-power consumption tradeoff curve.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A first device of a wireless communications network may receive, from a second device of the wireless communications network, a configuration for a bandwidth part switching pattern for wireless communications performed at the first device, the bandwidth part switching pattern including at least a first bandwidth part and a second bandwidth part different from the first bandwidth part. The first device may transmit a first transmission to one or more devices of the wireless communications network during a first time interval and in accordance with the first bandwidth part, and may transmit a second transmission to the one or more devices of the wireless communications network during a second time interval different from the first time interval and in accordance with the second bandwidth part.