Network Node BWP Configuration for Dynamic LTE-NR Spectrum Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for dynamic spectrum sharing between LTE and NR face challenges such as high signaling overhead and delays due to UE-specific RRC reconfiguration or intra-cell handover, and not all UEs support DCI-based BWP switching, leading to complex bandwidth adaptation.
Innovation Solution
Configuring an initial bandwidth part (BWP) that spans both dedicated NR spectrum and shared LTE spectrum, with synchronization signals in dedicated spectrum and other signals in both, allowing the scheduler to adapt to bandwidth changes without RRC signaling or UE-specific capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If UE-specific RRC reconfiguration or intra-cell handover is used for bandwidth adaptation, then spectrum sharing between LTE and NR is achieved, but signaling overhead increases and adaptation delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the initial BWP to span both dedicated NR spectrum and shared LTE spectrum, and pre-configuring synchronization signals in dedicated spectrum while other signals are configured in both spectra. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for subsequent RRC reconfiguration or handover procedures when bandwidth changes occur, enabling the scheduler to adapt to bandwidth changes immediately without signaling overhead or adaptation delays.
2Loss of time
If DCI-based BWP switching is used for bandwidth adaptation, then signaling overhead is reduced, but not all UEs support this capability leading to complex adaptation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by configuring the initial BWP to span both dedicated NR spectrum and shared LTE spectrum, making the configuration universally applicable to all UEs regardless of their specific capability support for DCI-based switching. The synchronization signals are configured in dedicated spectrum while other signals are configured in both spectra, ensuring seamless operation across different UE types without requiring UE-specific capability checks or complex adaptation logic.
3Productivity
If dynamic spectrum sharing is implemented, then resource utilization is improved, but complexity in managing bandwidth parts and signaling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the spectrum into dedicated NR spectrum and shared LTE spectrum, with the initial BWP spanning both segments. Synchronization signals are segmented and configured only in dedicated spectrum, while other signals are configured in both segments. This segmentation simplifies bandwidth management by clearly defining which signals occupy which spectrum segments, reducing the complexity of managing dynamic spectrum sharing while improving resource utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed in a network node for configuring UE with dynamic spectrum sharing between a first RAT and a second RAT in a wireless communications system is disclosed. The network node configures an initial bandwidth part, BWP, for a UE, spanning across a dedicated spectrum for the first RAT and a shared spectrum between the first and second RATs, wherein synchronization signals of the first RAT are configured in the dedicated spectrum, and at least some other signals of the first RAT are configured in both dedicated and shared spectrum. The first RAT is NR and the second RAT is LTE.