Initial BWP Segmentation for Narrowband NR Terminal Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The NR system faces challenges in accommodating terminal devices with diverse bandwidth capabilities, as some devices require narrow bandwidth for mMTC services, leading to inefficiencies in access and resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for determining initial downlink bandwidth parts (BWPs) that cater to terminal devices of different types, allowing for flexible configuration of frequency and time resources to support various capabilities, reducing system bandwidth requirements and minimizing interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the NR system uses a wide bandwidth of at least 100 MHz to support diversified services, then the system can accommodate eMBB and URLLC services with large bandwidth capabilities, but terminal devices with narrow bandwidth capabilities (e.g., 80 MHz, 40 MHz, 20 MHz) cannot access the system effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The system bandwidth is segmented into multiple bandwidth parts (BWPs), each with different bandwidth sizes. Terminal devices can select and access the BWP that matches their bandwidth capability, thereby resolving the contradiction between wide system bandwidth and narrow terminal bandwidth support.
Solution Approach 2:
Different bandwidth parts are assigned different frequency resource characteristics to match different terminal capabilities. Each BWP has localized quality parameters (bandwidth, subcarrier spacing, cyclic prefix length) optimized for specific service types and terminal capabilities, enabling both wideband and narrowband devices to access the system effectively.
2Device complexity
If the system configures a single initial BWP for all terminal devices, then the configuration is simple, but terminal devices with different capabilities cannot access the system efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The initial BWP configuration mechanism is designed to be universal, supporting both single-BWP and multi-BWP scenarios. The network can configure one or multiple initial BWPs based on service requirements, and terminal devices can autonomously select appropriate BWPs based on their capabilities, achieving both simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The BWP configuration is dynamic and flexible. The network can configure different numbers of initial BWPs (one or multiple) based on service demands, and terminal devices can dynamically select and switch between BWPs according to their capabilities and service requirements, resolving the contradiction between configuration simplicity and adaptability.
3Reliability
If the system allocates separate frequency resources for different terminal types, then each terminal type can access efficiently, but the system bandwidth requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple bandwidth parts are merged within a single system bandwidth framework. Different terminal types share the overall system bandwidth by accessing different BWPs (e.g., first BWP for narrowband devices, second BWP for wideband devices), eliminating the need for separate frequency resources and reducing total bandwidth requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Bandwidth parts are nested within the system bandwidth in a hierarchical structure. The first initial BWP and second initial BWP are both contained within the system bandwidth, with the first BWP potentially nested within or adjacent to the second BWP. This nested arrangement allows efficient resource utilization while supporting diverse terminal capabilities without increasing overall bandwidth.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for determining an initial bandwidth part. One example method includes determining a frequency resource of a first initial BWP, where the frequency resource of the first initial BWP is included in a frequency resource of a second initial BWP, the frequency resource of the first initial BWP corresponds to a first-type terminal device, the frequency resource of the second initial BWP corresponds to a second-type terminal device, and the terminal devices of two types have different capabilities.