Bandwidth Part Switching in 5G User Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing bandwidth parts (BWPs) and data radio bearers (DRBs) in next-generation mobile communication systems, particularly in configuring and managing BWPs and DRBs to support diverse service requirements and ensure seamless handovers and data transmission.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method and apparatus that allow user equipment (UE) to report and manage BWP configurations and DRBs, using BWP timers for dynamic bandwidth allocation and fallback mechanisms, and the use of uplink data compression (UDC) to optimize data transmission in wireless communication systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If bandwidth parts (BWPs) are configured and managed to support diverse service requirements, then service adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the total bandwidth into multiple bandwidth parts (BWPs), each configured with specific parameters (bandwidth, subcarrier spacing, cyclic prefix length) to support different service requirements. This segmentation allows the system to allocate appropriate bandwidth resources for diverse services without requiring the entire bandwidth to be continuously monitored and processed, thereby improving service adaptability while managing device complexity through structured resource division.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic BWP switching mechanisms where the network can activate or deactivate specific BWPs based on current service requirements. The UE receives BWP configuration information and switching commands through RRC signaling and DCI formats, allowing flexible adaptation to changing traffic patterns and service demands without permanently configuring all possible bandwidth configurations, thus balancing adaptability with complexity management.
2Productivity
If dynamic bandwidth allocation is implemented through BWP switching, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but control signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the BWP switching mechanism to serve multiple functions simultaneously: resource allocation, adaptive modulation and coding selection, and service type differentiation. By using a unified BWP configuration framework that handles diverse service requirements through a common signaling structure, the system achieves efficient data transmission while reducing redundant control signaling overhead compared to separate configuration mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables efficient data transmission by dynamically changing key physical layer parameters (subcarrier spacing, cyclic prefix length, bandwidth) through BWP switching. The network sends compact DCI format commands that trigger pre-configured BWP parameter sets, allowing rapid adaptation to channel conditions and service requirements without transmitting complete parameter sets each time, thus improving transmission efficiency while minimizing signaling overhead.
3Reliability
If BWP timers are used for fallback mechanisms, then system reliability is improved, but response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent configures BWP timers in advance as part of the BWP configuration information provided to the UE. These timers are pre-set to specific values that balance reliability and response time requirements. When a BWP is activated, the corresponding timer starts automatically, ensuring that if the BWP becomes unavailable or problematic, the UE can autonomously trigger a fallback to a default BWP without requiring continuous network intervention, thus improving reliability while maintaining acceptable response times through pre-configured timeout values.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of UE includes receiving a radio resource control (RRC) message for configuring bandwidth parts (BWPs) of a serving cell, receiving a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) indicating activation of a first BWP, performing a BWP switching to the first BWP indicated by the PDCCH, and starting a first downlink BWP timer associated with the first BWP. A UE includes a transceiver, and at least one controller coupled with the transceiver, the at least one controller configured to receive an RRC message for configuring BWPs of a serving cell, receive a PDCCH indicating activation of a first BWP, perform a BWP switching to the first BWP indicated by the PDCCH, and start a first downlink BWP timer associated with the first BWP.