Downlink Bandwidth Part Switching for Power and Throughput Balance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing downlink frequency bandwidths, particularly in transitioning between active and restricted bandwidths, which can lead to inefficiencies and interference in 5G and LTE networks.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method for user equipment (UE) and network nodes to receive and transmit indications for using active and restricted downlink bandwidth parts (BWPs) based on an active DL BWP, enabling dynamic adjustment of bandwidths to optimize communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the downlink bandwidth is restricted for power saving, then energy consumption is reduced, but communication throughput is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcommunication throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic bandwidth adjustment by allowing the UE to switch between a first bandwidth configuration (full bandwidth for high throughput) and a second bandwidth configuration (restricted bandwidth for power saving). The network can trigger bandwidth part switching or the UE can autonomously switch based on traffic conditions, enabling the system to adapt bandwidth usage to actual communication needs and balance power consumption with throughput requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If bandwidth part switching is implemented for power saving, then energy efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the downlink bandwidth into multiple bandwidth parts (BWPs), where each BWP represents a distinct bandwidth configuration. The UE is configured with multiple BWPs and can switch between them based on network indications or autonomous decisions. This segmentation allows the system to manage bandwidth resources in discrete, controllable units, reducing the complexity of continuous bandwidth adjustment while maintaining energy efficiency benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Speed

If autonomous bandwidth switching is enabled, then response speed is improved, but control precision is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse speedVSAvoidcontrol precision

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network monitors UE power saving status and communication conditions, then provides indications to trigger bandwidth part switching. This feedback loop allows the network to maintain control precision by making switching decisions based on current system state, while still achieving fast response through pre-configured bandwidth parts that can be activated immediately upon receiving a network indication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12581412B2Downlink frequency bandwidth restriction management

Publication Date: 2026.03.17 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) may receive a first indication to use, for a first wireless communication, an active downlink (DL) bandwidth part (BWP). The UE may receive a second indication to use, for a second wireless communication, a restricted DL bandwidth (BW) that is based at least in part on the active DL BWP. Numerous other aspects are described.