Multiple Bandwidth Part Measurements in Shared Spectrum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in network operations when dealing with multiple bandwidth parts (BWP) and subbands, as existing procedures are not adequately configured to handle these configurations, leading to suboptimal performance in shared radio frequency spectrum bands.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of improved methods and systems that allow user equipment (UE) to perform listen-before-talk (LBT) procedures on sets of frequency resources, including multiple BWPs and subbands, enabling selection and communication with base stations based on successful clear channel assessments, and facilitating radio resource management (RRM) and radio link monitoring (RLM) across these resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple BWPs and subbands are configured for communications in shared spectrum bands, then network capacity and spectrum utilization are improved, but network procedure complexity and configuration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the shared spectrum band into multiple bandwidth parts (BWPs) and further divides each BWP into subbands. This segmentation allows the network to independently manage and configure smaller frequency resources, improving overall network capacity while maintaining manageable complexity through modular configuration. Each BWP can be independently activated and managed, allowing selective optimization without reconfiguring the entire spectrum.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic BWP and subband configuration where the network can activate, deactivate, and reconfigure frequency resource sets based on real-time channel conditions and traffic demands. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to changing spectrum availability in shared bands, optimizing network capacity while reducing configuration complexity through automated resource management.
2Measurement precision
If LBT procedures are performed individually for each frequency resource set, then channel access accuracy is improved, but signaling overhead and procedure time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges LBT procedures by allowing the network to perform clear channel assessment at the parent BWP level and propagate results to child subbands. When a BWP is determined to be clear, all its subbands inherit this clearance status, eliminating the need for separate LBT procedures for each subband. This merging approach maintains channel access accuracy while significantly reducing procedure time and signaling overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary LBT procedures at higher-level BWP configurations before detailed subband allocation. By performing channel assessment at the BWP level first, the network prepares and validates frequency resources in advance, allowing faster subsequent allocation to specific subbands and UEs. This preliminary action reduces overall procedure time while maintaining accurate channel access determination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If network procedures are configured to accommodate multiple subbands and BWPs, then spectrum utilization is improved, but configuration complexity and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates universal BWP and subband configuration frameworks that can be applied across different shared spectrum bands and network scenarios. The same configuration mechanisms and LBT procedures work consistently whether managing a few large BWPs or many small subbands, simplifying implementation while maximizing spectrum utilization flexibility. This multi-functionality allows operators to deploy the same technical solution across diverse spectrum allocation scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A user equipment (UE) may receive a set of synchronization signal block (SSB) configurations for a corresponding set of frequency resource sets configured for communications in a shared frequency spectrum band. The UE may perform a listen-before-talk (LBT) procedure for each frequency resource set. If an LBT procedure is successful, the UE may select and communicate with a base station on the corresponding frequency resource sets. Accordingly, the UE may receive one or more SSBs from the base station on the selected frequency resource sets based on SSB configurations, which may indicate a floating or fixed configuration for SSBs. The UE may perform radio resource management (RRM) and radio link monitoring based on receiving the SSBs in one or more of the selected frequency resource sets according to the corresponding SSB configurations.