Cross-Carrier BWP Switching for Multi-Cell 5G Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing bandwidth parts (BWP) and carrier scheduling, particularly in next-generation mobile communication systems like 5G, which require improved methods to optimize radio resource utilization and reduce power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for cross-carrier scheduling that involves receiving configuration information, identifying the presence of a carrier indicator field (CIF), and performing bandwidth part (BWP) switching based on downlink control information, with mechanisms for timer-based deactivation and default BWP reversion, applicable to both primary and secondary cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cross-carrier scheduling is implemented with CIF presence field for BWP switching, then radio resource efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Carrier Indicator Field (CIF) as an intermediary element in the downlink control information to enable cross-carrier scheduling. This CIF acts as a mediator that identifies the target carrier for scheduling decisions, allowing the network to efficiently allocate radio resources across multiple carriers while providing clear indication to the terminal device about which carrier to switch to for bandwidth part changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The downlink control information structure is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a scheduling command for resource allocation and as a bandwidth part switching instruction. The same DCI message that schedules data transmission also contains BWP switching information through the CIF field, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity despite the enhanced functionality.
2Productivity
If BWP switching is performed frequently to optimize resource allocation, then data transmission rate is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bandwidth part switching where the terminal device can adaptively change between different BWPs based on real-time scheduling decisions received through cross-carrier scheduling. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize data transmission rates by switching to wider BWPs when high throughput is needed while switching to narrower BWPs for power saving during low-activity periods, making the power consumption adaptable to actual transmission requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The BWP switching is performed periodically based on scheduling intervals rather than continuously. The terminal device monitors downlink control information at scheduled intervals and performs BWP switching only when necessary, avoiding continuous monitoring and processing that would increase power consumption. This periodic action pattern allows the system to achieve high data rates when needed while conserving energy during stable transmission periods.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple BWPs are configured for different cells, then adaptability is improved, but configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bandwidth part configuration by cell, allowing each cell to have its own set of configured BWPs and switching parameters. This segmentation enables independent optimization of each cell's bandwidth configuration according to its specific requirements while maintaining overall system adaptability. The terminal device manages multiple cell-specific BWP configurations separately, reducing the complexity of managing a single large-scale configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The network side performs preliminary configuration of multiple BWPs for different cells before actual data transmission begins. Through pre-configuration messages, the network provides the terminal with all necessary BWP parameters, carrier indicators, and switching conditions in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex real-time configuration decisions during operation, reducing configuration management complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a terminal in a wireless communication system includes receiving configuration information for a secondary cell (SCell), identifying whether a carrier indicator field (CIF) presence field is included in the configuration information for the SCell, receiving downlink control information for at least one other cell through the SCell based on identifying that a CIF presence field is included in the configuration information for the SCell, and performing bandwidth part (BWP) switching for the at least one other cell based on the downlink control information.