Terminal Device Bandwidth Part Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G communications, the disparity in bandwidth capabilities between network devices and terminal devices leads to inefficient resource utilization, particularly with non-standard or discrete frequency resources, resulting in low data transmission efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method where a terminal device can simultaneously communicate with a network device in multiple bandwidth parts, allowing for the utilization of discrete or non-standard bandwidth spectra, by configuring and activating multiple bandwidth parts within a cell, thereby improving signal transmission efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the network device supports a wide channel bandwidth (e.g., 100 MHz or 400 MHz), then the network device's bandwidth capability is improved, but the terminal device's bandwidth processing capability becomes a bottleneck and resource utilization decreases for terminals with narrow bandwidth support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wide channel bandwidth into multiple bandwidth parts (BWPs), each with different bandwidth sizes. The network device configures multiple BWPs (e.g., first BWP with 20 MHz, second BWP with 80 MHz) within the total channel bandwidth, allowing terminals to select and operate in the BWP that matches their bandwidth capability. This segmentation enables both wideband and narrowband terminals to efficiently utilize the available spectrum without being constrained by bandwidth mismatches.
2Adaptability or versatility
If only standard channel bandwidths are used (e.g., 1.4 MHz, 3 MHz, 5 MHz, 10 MHz, 15 MHz, or 20 MHz), then system compatibility is maintained, but frequency resources smaller than the minimum standard bandwidth (e.g., 1 MHz or 2 MHz) cannot be utilized, resulting in low resource utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the channel bandwidth into multiple configurable bandwidth parts with flexible size configurations. By configuring BWPs with specific bandwidth values (e.g., 1 MHz, 2 MHz, or other non-standard values), the system can utilize fragmented frequency resources that would otherwise be unusable. The network device can configure multiple BWPs with different bandwidths to match the available frequency resources, thereby improving overall resource utilization efficiency.
3Productivity
If a terminal device supports a wide channel bandwidth, then data transmission capacity is improved, but energy consumption increases and coverage depth decreases for applications like MTC that require energy saving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic BWP switching, where the terminal device can switch between different bandwidth parts based on current communication requirements. When high data transmission capacity is needed, the terminal activates a wideband BWP; when energy saving is prioritized (e.g., for MTC applications), the terminal switches to a narrowband BWP. This dynamic adaptation allows the terminal to optimize the trade-off between data transmission capacity and energy consumption according to real-time needs.
Data Source
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AI summary
This application provides a communications method and apparatus. The method includes: receiving, by a terminal device, M bandwidth parts located in one cell that are configured for the terminal device, where N of the M bandwidth parts are active within a same time period, and N is greater than or equal to 2. In other words, the terminal device can simultaneously communicate with a network device in more than one bandwidth part, thereby improving signal transmission efficiency.