Temporary Bandwidth Part Switching for RedCap Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reduced capability devices in wireless networks face challenges with long switching times between bandwidth parts, substantial system overhead due to Synchronization Signal Blocks, and interruptions during measurement gaps, which affect their ability to perform normal network functions efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A method for temporary bandwidth part switching, where user equipment receives criteria for switching between bandwidth parts and waits for preconfigured times to switch, allowing for synchronization signal block measurements while using the new bandwidth part, and then switches back, enabling efficient communication and reducing interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If RedCap devices switch between bandwidth parts to accommodate different service requirements, then adaptability is improved, but switching time increases causing interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple bandwidth parts including a first BWP with SSB and a second BWP without SSB before the device needs to switch. The network pre-arranges the BWP configurations and switching criteria, so when switching is needed, the device can quickly transition without extensive reconfiguration delays, thus reducing switching time while maintaining adaptability.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple bandwidth parts are configured to accommodate many RedCap devices, then device capacity is improved, but system overhead from SSB increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing bandwidth parts into two categories: those containing SSB and those without SSB. By segmenting the BWP configuration, the system can accommodate multiple RedCap devices across different BWPs while limiting SSB transmission to only necessary BWPs, thereby reducing overall system overhead while maintaining the capacity to serve many devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by providing SSB only in the first BWP and not in the second BWP. This partial configuration approach reduces system overhead by avoiding redundant SSB transmissions in BWPs where they are not needed, while still enabling the network to serve multiple RedCap devices through the configured BWP structure.
3Measurement precision
If RedCap devices perform RRM measurements during measurement gaps, then measurement accuracy is improved, but throughput decreases due to interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the BWP configuration dynamic rather than static. The network can switch between a first BWP configuration (with SSB for measurements) and a second BWP configuration (optimized for data transmission) based on current service requirements. This dynamic switching allows the system to optimize for measurements when needed and for throughput when possible, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A UE is connected to a serving cell via an active BWP of a first BWP, and receives a message having criteria for switching from the first BWP to a second BWP. In response to at least one of the criteria being met, the UE waits until a first preconfigured time to switch from the first BWP to the second BWP, and switches the active BWP from the first BWP to the second BWP. The UE communicates with the serving cell and performs SSB measurements while using the second BWP as the active BWP. The UE switches from the second BWP to the first BWP after a second preconfigured time corresponding to a duration of time in the second BWP. The serving cell sends the message having the criteria, switches active BWPs accordingly, and communicates with the UE in the active BWPs.