NR Bandwidth Part Activation and Deactivation Using MAC CE

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Solution Overview

Problem

The related art does not clearly define a scheme for activating and deactivating bandwidth parts (BWPs) in New Radio (NR) communication, leading to incomplete communication processes and unreliable network connections.

Innovation Solution

A resource configuration method and system that utilizes Medium Access Control (MAC) layer control elements (CE) and Radio Resource Control (RRC) messages to manage the activation and deactivation of bandwidth parts (BWPs) through explicit commands, including timing durations and logical channel configurations, ensuring reliable network communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If MAC CE is used for BWP activation and deactivation, then signaling efficiency is improved, but the communication process becomes incomplete and reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignaling efficiencyVSAvoidcommunication reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the terminal sends a first indication information to the base station after receiving BWP activation/deactivation signaling. The base station then sends second indication information based on this feedback. This feedback loop ensures that the activation and deactivation processes are properly confirmed and tracked, completing the communication process and improving reliability while maintaining signaling efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If clear BWP activation and deactivation schemes are defined, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses MAC CE, which is already a standard signaling element in 5G NR for various control purposes. By making MAC CE multi-functional (capable of indicating both activation and deactivation of BWPs), the patent avoids introducing entirely new control mechanisms. This approach improves reliability through clear definition while minimizing the increase in device complexity by reusing existing standardized structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple BWPs are configured for UE operation, then adaptability is improved, but the complexity of managing activation and deactivation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth adaptabilityVSAvoidBWP management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The feedback mechanism with first and second indication information provides a systematic way to manage multiple BWPs. The terminal confirms receipt and processing of activation/deactivation commands, and the base station adjusts accordingly. This structured feedback approach makes the management of multiple BWPs more predictable and controllable, reducing the complexity burden despite having multiple configurations available.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3668221B1Resource configuration method, terminal and base station
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 VIVO MOBILE COMM CO LTD
  • EP3668221B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3668221B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3668221B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

A resource configuration method, a terminal and a base station are provided. The resource configuration method applied to a terminal includes: receiving an activation state configuration command of a preconfigured bandwidth part (BWP) resource transmitted by a base station; configuring the resource of the BWP according to the activation state configuration command.