Dormant BWP Switching for Faster NR Scell Recovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing mechanism for dormant state in New Radio (NR) lacks a defined state for Secondary Cells (Scells), leading to high complexity and long delays in cell recovery, which affects efficient resource utilization and increases signaling overhead.

Innovation Solution

Introduce the concept of dormant Bandwidth Parts (BWPs) for Scells, allowing independent switching between active and dormant BWPs to facilitate fast Scell recovery, reducing signaling overhead and latency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a dormant state mechanism similar to LTE is introduced in NR for fast Scell recovery, then cell recovery speed is improved, but system complexity and delay increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell recovery speedVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the Scell operation into distinct states (active, dormant, inactive) with clearly defined characteristics. The dormant state is segmented as a separate operational mode where the terminal performs measurements and reports CQI/RRM but does not decode PDCCH, creating a middle ground between active and inactive states that enables fast recovery without full activation complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the terminal maintain measurement and reporting functions (CQI/RRM) in the dormant state before full activation is needed. This preliminary maintenance of monitoring capabilities allows the cell to transition quickly from dormant to active state when needed, achieving fast recovery while avoiding the complexity of continuous full monitoring

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Speed

If a dormant state mechanism similar to LTE is introduced in NR for fast Scell recovery, then cell recovery speed is improved, but delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell recovery speedVSAvoidrecovery delay
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic state transitions between active, dormant, and inactive Scell states. The network can flexibly switch the Scell between these states based on traffic conditions, allowing rapid transition from dormant to active when data transmission is needed, thereby reducing recovery delay while maintaining efficiency during low-traffic periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If traditional Scell activation mechanisms are used in NR, then system complexity is reduced, but resource utilization efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the Scell by introducing a dormant state with specific characteristics (measurement and reporting enabled, PDCCH decoding disabled). This parameter-based state management allows the system to optimize resource utilization by maintaining partial functionality in the dormant state, improving overall productivity without requiring complex reconfiguration mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4422340B1BWP management method and device
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP4422340B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2-3
  • EP4422340B1 patent drawingFigure 4~3-2
  • EP4422340B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

Provided are a BWP management method and apparatus, and a terminal. The method comprises: a terminal receiving first configuration information sent by a network device, the first configuration information comprising uplink BWP configuration information and downlink BWP configuration information, wherein the uplink BWP configuration information comprising at least one uplink BWP configuration, the downlink BWP configuration information comprises at least one downlink BWP configuration, the uplink BWP configuration information carries first indication information, the first indication information is used for indicating a BWP identifier corresponding to an uplink initial active BWP, the downlink BWP configuration information carries first indication information, the first indication information is used for indicating a BWP identifier corresponding to a downlink initial active BWP, and an initial active BWP refers to a first active BWP; and the terminal receiving second indication information sent by the network device, wherein the second indication information is used for indicating a dormant BWP, and the dormant BWP comprises an uplink dormant BWP and/or a downlink dormant BWP.