NR Cell Access for RedCap UEs Using Initial Bandwidth Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently supporting terminals with reduced capabilities, such as RedCap UEs, in accessing and obtaining system information from New Radio cells, due to their limited performance compared to general smartphones.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for RedCap UEs to receive system information by utilizing search space 0 and control resource set 0 in the initial bandwidth part, allowing them to access and operate within reduced capability conditions, including specific configurations for CORESET and SS configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If general terminal access procedures are used for RedCap UEs, then system information can be obtained, but power consumption and processing complexity increase beyond RedCap capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The system information acquisition process is segmented into two distinct procedures: Type1 (for normal UEs) and Type2 (specifically designed for RedCap UEs). The Type2 procedure segments the bandwidth usage by confining RedCap UEs to initial bandwidth parts with reduced subcarrier spacing, while normal UEs utilize the full bandwidth with higher subcarrier spacing. This segmentation allows RedCap terminals to acquire system information reliably while consuming less power and processing resources.
2Productivity
If full bandwidth and high subcarrier spacing are used, then data rate is improved, but RedCap terminals with limited capabilities cannot process the information efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
Different quality parameters are applied to different terminal types. Normal UEs receive full bandwidth configurations with high subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15 kHz or 30 kHz) for high data rates. RedCap UEs are assigned localized bandwidth parts with reduced subcarrier spacing (e.g., 12 kHz or 15 kHz) that match their processing capabilities. This local quality adjustment ensures each terminal type operates at optimal performance without overwhelming the terminal's processing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters (bandwidth size and subcarrier spacing) based on terminal capability. For RedCap UEs, the initial bandwidth part is configured with smaller bandwidth and adjusted subcarrier spacing compared to normal UEs. These parameter changes directly reduce the processing complexity and memory requirements for RedCap terminals while maintaining their ability to access system information and establish connections.
3Reliability
If cell barring is applied to control access, then network load is managed, but RedCap UEs may be incorrectly blocked from accessing suitable cells
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary classification of terminals into normal and RedCap categories before the cell access decision. The base station identifies RedCap UEs based on their capability indicators and pre-configures appropriate bandwidth parts and system information blocks. This preliminary action ensures that when cell barring is applied, RedCap UEs are not incorrectly blocked because they are directed to alternative cells or configurations suitable for their capabilities, thus maintaining both network load management and access flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for accessing a NR cell in a mobile communication system are provided. Method for accessing a NR cell includes receiving in a first cell, by a terminal from a base station, a Master Information Block (MIB) and a System Information Block1 (SIB1), determining, by the terminal, if the first cell is barred and performing by the terminal a first operation group if the cell is barred and perform, if the first cell is not barred, a second operation group.