Initial BWP Configuration for Mixed-Bandwidth 5G UE Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
5G NR base stations face challenges in supporting both high-bandwidth and low-bandwidth user equipment (UEs) due to differing capabilities, leading to reduced data rates for normal-capability UEs when configuring initial bandwidth parts (BWPs) for low-bandwidth UEs.
Innovation Solution
Configuring at least two initial BWPs within a cell or across different cells, with one BWP supporting high-bandwidth UEs and another supporting low-bandwidth UEs, allowing UEs to select based on capability and enabling separate data rate adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the base station configures a wide initial BWP to support high-bandwidth UEs, then high data rates are achieved for normal-capability UEs, but low-bandwidth capability UEs cannot access the cell
Solution Approach 1:
The base station segments the initial BWP configuration into multiple BWPs with different bandwidths. A first initial BWP with larger bandwidth is configured for normal-capability UEs to achieve high data rates, while a second initial BWP with smaller bandwidth is configured for NR-light UEs to enable access. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously support both high productivity for capable devices and adaptability for limited-capability devices without compromise.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the base station configures a narrow initial BWP to allow NR-light UEs to access the cell, then low-bandwidth capability UE access is enabled, but the data rate for normal-capability UEs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The base station applies local quality by assigning different BWP characteristics to different UE groups. Normal-capability UEs are directed to the first initial BWP with larger bandwidth and higher data rate characteristics, while NR-light UEs are directed to the second initial BWP with smaller bandwidth appropriate for their capabilities. This localized optimization ensures each UE group receives the appropriate quality of service without affecting the other group's performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the base station configures multiple initial BWPs with different widths, then both high-bandwidth and low-bandwidth UEs can access the cell, but the device complexity for BWP selection and management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UE performs self-service by autonomously selecting the appropriate initial BWP based on its own bandwidth capability. The base station provides configuration information for multiple BWPs, and the UE independently determines which BWP to use without requiring complex base station control or negotiation. This self-service approach reduces the management complexity on the network side while still enabling multi-capability UE support.
Data Source
AI summary
To support devices with different bandwidth capabilities, a base station configures a first initial bandwidth part (BWP) of a first width within a bandwidth of the first cell (1002) and configures a second initial BWP of a second width, within the bandwidth of the first cell (1004). The base station transmits an indication of the first BWP in the first cell and an indication of the second BWP in the first cell or a second cell, to cause a first user equipment UE having a first bandwidth capability to access the first BWP, and a second UE having a second bandwidth capability to access the second BWP (1006).