UE BWP Switching via Carrier Sensing for Congestion Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G networks, user equipment (UE) cannot automatically switch to non-congested bandwidth parts (BWPs) in unlicensed bands without explicit indication or expiry of the BWP Inactivity Timer, leading to inefficient resource utilization and potential service disruptions due to congestion.
Innovation Solution
A method where the UE configures multiple BWPs, acquires congestion information through carrier sensing, and switches to a less congested BWP based on threshold levels, allowing for dynamic bandwidth adaptation and efficient resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the UE waits for explicit indication from the base station or BWP Inactivity Timer expiry to switch BWPs, then the network maintains control over BWP selection, but the UE cannot respond quickly to congestion and resource utilization becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The UE performs preliminary carrier sensing on multiple BWPs before needing to switch, acquiring congestion information in advance. This allows the UE to quickly identify non-congested BWPs when switching is needed, rather than waiting for network indication or timer expiry
Solution Approach 2:
The UE autonomously monitors congestion levels on multiple BWPs using carrier sensing and independently decides when to switch BWPs based on pre-configured thresholds, without requiring continuous network control or manual intervention
2Speed
If the UE continuously monitors congestion on all BWPs, then the UE can quickly switch to non-congested BWPs, but the energy consumption and processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The UE focuses carrier sensing efforts on specific BWPs that are more likely to be non-congested based on historical patterns or network indications, rather than uniformly monitoring all BWPs with equal intensity. This localized monitoring reduces energy consumption while maintaining fast switching capability
Solution Approach 2:
The UE performs carrier sensing on a subset of BWPs or at reduced monitoring intervals when congestion levels are already acceptable, rather than continuously monitoring all BWPs at maximum intensity. This partial action reduces energy consumption while maintaining adequate switching speed
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple BWPs are configured on unlicensed band, then the UE has more options for avoiding congestion, but the complexity of BWP management and congestion detection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UE divides the unlicensed spectrum into multiple BWPs and monitors them independently using separate carrier sensing processes. This segmentation allows the UE to manage complexity by handling each BWP as an independent entity rather than managing the entire spectrum as a single complex resource
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the UE to efficiently provide user services by autonomously moving to non-congested BWPs, improving network performance and resource utilization by avoiding congested bands.
Implementation Method 1
The information on congestion may be acquired by carrier sensing
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a method of selecting BWP and a device supporting the method. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes: configuring multiple bandwidth parts (BWPs) for a cell; activating a first BWP among the multiple BWPs; acquiring information on congestion of at least one of the multiple BWPs; and switching to a second BWP among the multiple BWPs from the first BWPs, based on the acquired information on congestion.