Initial Bandwidth Part Configuration for Redcap Terminals

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Solution Overview

Problem

The current 3GPP standardization faces challenges in configuring an initial bandwidth part (BWP) and switching BWP for reduced capability (Redcap)-type terminals during the random access channel (RACH) process.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for configuring an initial BWP and switching it, where a network device sends BWP-related information to the terminal, including downlink and uplink initial BWP information, allowing the terminal to determine and switch between BWPs based on this information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the terminal monitors the entire bandwidth, then the communication coverage is complete, but the terminal complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication coverageVSAvoidterminal complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the system bandwidth into multiple bandwidth parts (BWPs), allowing the terminal to monitor only the necessary portion (e.g., initial BWP for random access) rather than the entire bandwidth. This segmentation enables reduced capability terminals to operate with lower complexity while maintaining required communication functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by having the terminal monitor only a part of the system bandwidth (initial BWP) during random access procedures, rather than the full bandwidth. This partial monitoring approach reduces terminal complexity and power consumption while still providing sufficient communication coverage for the specific operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Device complexity

If the terminal uses a fixed BWP configuration, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different network conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveBWP configuration complexityVSAvoidBWP adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic BWP switching capability where the terminal can transition between different BWPs (e.g., from initial BWP to other BWPs) based on network conditions and operational requirements. This dynamic adaptation is achieved through BWP switching procedures triggered by network indications or terminal needs, allowing the system to balance complexity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables parameter changes in BWP configuration by allowing the terminal to switch between different BWPs with different parameters (bandwidth, frequency location). The network can indicate preferred BWPs or trigger switching based on changing conditions, providing adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized switching procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the terminal performs frequent BWP switching, then the adaptability to network conditions is improved, but the switching time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork condition adaptabilityVSAvoidBWP switching time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple BWPs and their parameters before the terminal needs to switch. The network can pre-configure BWP information in system information blocks, and the terminal can have BWP switching capabilities prepared in advance. This allows for faster switching when needed, as the terminal doesn't need to reconfigure everything from scratch during the switching event.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250175390A1Initial bandwidth part configuration method and initial bandwidth part switching method
Publication Date: 2025.05.29 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • US20250175390A1 patent drawing
  • US20250175390A1 patent drawing
  • US20250175390A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for switching an initial bandwidth part (BWP) is performed by a specific-type terminal in a connected state, which includes: performing BWP switching according to BWP-related information obtained from system information sent by a network device, wherein the system information may be at least one of a master information block (MIB) or a system information block 1 (SIB1).