UE BWP Switching Handling During Random Access Procedure
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Solution Overview
Problem
In next-generation wireless networks, particularly 5G New Radio (NR), there is a need for efficient methods to handle the Random Access (RA) procedure during Bandwidth Part (BWP) switching operations, as BWP switching can be triggered during ongoing RA procedures, affecting UE behavior and RA process integrity.
Innovation Solution
User Equipment (UE) is configured to receive Downlink Control Information (DCI) indicating BWP switching, allowing it to stop or continue the RA procedure, and initiate a new RA on a different BWP if necessary, based on the availability of RA resources and Dedicated-Scheduling Request (D-SR) resources, using pre-defined rules or configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the UE stops the ongoing RA procedure and initiates a new RA procedure on the second BWP when receiving BWP switching indication, then the BWP switching operation can be completed successfully, but the RA procedure interruption may cause loss of time and increase in signaling overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by checking whether the second BWP is configured with RA resources before initiating a new RA procedure. This preliminary check prevents unnecessary RA procedure interruptions when the second BWP already has RA resources available, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining the ability to switch BWPs when needed.
2Reliability
If the UE continues the ongoing RA procedure on the first BWP by ignoring the BWP switching indication, then the RA procedure integrity is maintained, but the BWP switching operation cannot be executed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the UE's behavior adaptive based on the configuration status of the second BWP. The UE dynamically decides whether to continue or interrupt the RA procedure depending on whether RA resources are available on the target BWP, thus balancing RA procedure integrity with BWP switching capability in a flexible manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback by having the UE check the configuration status of RA resources on the second BWP before deciding on the next action. This feedback mechanism allows the UE to make informed decisions about whether to interrupt or continue the RA procedure, ensuring both reliability and adaptability.
3Productivity
If the UE checks whether the second BWP is configured with RA resources before initiating a new RA procedure, then unnecessary RA procedures can be avoided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by having the UE autonomously check the configuration status of RA resources on the second BWP and make decisions about continuing or interrupting the RA procedure without requiring additional network signaling. This self-service approach improves efficiency while minimizing the increase in device complexity, as the UE uses existing configuration information to make decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for handling a Random Access (RA) procedure in a Bandwidth Part (BWP) switching operation is provided. The method includes: receiving a configuration of a first BWP through Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling from a Base Station (BS); initiating an RA procedure on the first BWP; receiving, during the RA procedure on the first BWP, Downlink Control Information (DCI) indicating a BWP switching from the first BWP to a second BWP; determining whether to switch to the second BWP in response to receiving the DCI; and in a case that the UE determines to switch to the second BWP: stopping the RA procedure that is ongoing on the first BWP; determining, after stopping the RA procedure, whether the second BWP is configured with an RA resource; and initiating, after determining that the second BWP is not configured with the RA resource, a new RA procedure on an initial BWP.