RedCap UE System Information Requests via SIB1 Uplink BWPs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently acquiring system information for reduced capability user equipment (redcap UEs) due to the lack of clear signaling for initial uplink bandwidth parts and system information request resources, which affects their ability to initiate random access procedures.
Innovation Solution
The method and apparatus enable redcap UEs to determine and utilize specific initial uplink bandwidth parts (BWPs) and request system information (SI) by identifying configuration information in System Information Block 1 (SIB1), initiating a random access procedure on the appropriate BWP, and transmitting PRACH preambles to acquire the requested SI.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If redcap UEs use the same initial uplink BWP configuration as regular UEs, then system information acquisition is simplified, but redcap UEs cannot efficiently access system information due to resource constraints and capability mismatches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring specific initial uplink BWPs tailored for redcap UEs with reduced capabilities. Instead of using a universal BWP configuration, the system provides customized BWP parameters (including bandwidth, subcarrier spacing, and cyclic prefix length) that match the specific constraints of redcap devices, enabling them to efficiently access system information without being overwhelmed by resources they cannot utilize.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters of the initial uplink BWP configuration to accommodate redcap UE capabilities. This includes adjusting bandwidth parameters, subcarrier spacing, and cyclic prefix configurations to create optimized BWP settings that reduce complexity and power consumption for redcap devices while maintaining reliable system information access.
2Reliability
If redcap UEs are provided with dedicated initial uplink BWP configurations, then access efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional configuration management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the initial uplink BWP configuration into distinct sets: one for regular UEs and another specifically for redcap UEs. This segmentation allows the system to provide tailored configurations without requiring complete redesign of the overall configuration management framework. The redcap-specific BWP parameters are clearly identified and managed separately, reducing the complexity burden on both the network and the devices.
3Loss of information
If system information is broadcast with full detail for all UE types, then completeness is ensured, but redcap UEs experience increased processing overhead and power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and separates the initial uplink BWP configuration information that is specifically relevant to redcap UEs from the general system information broadcast. By providing dedicated BWP configuration parameters in the system information, redcap devices can acquire only the essential information they need without processing unnecessary detailed configurations intended for full-capability UEs, thereby reducing power consumption and processing overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a reduced capability user equipment (redcap UE) in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes acquiring a system information block 1 (SIB1) including information on a first initial uplink bandwidth part (BWP) on a normal uplink (NUL) carrier, identifying whether the SIB1 includes first configuration information used for the redcap UE to request a system information (SI) message, identifying whether a second initial uplink BWP for the redcap UE is configured on the NUL carrier based on the SIB1, in a case that the SIB1 includes the first configuration information for the redcap UE, the second initial uplink BWP for the redcap UE is configured, and criteria to select the NUL carrier is met, starting a random access procedure for requesting the SI message in the second initial uplink BWP for the redcap UE on the NUL carrier, based on a preamble resource in the first configuration information, and acquiring the requested SI message.