Unrestricted BWP Switching for 5G Small Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G NR technology faces limitations in small data transmission (SDT) due to restrictive bandwidth part (BWP) configurations, leading to congestion and inefficient power consumption, particularly for UEs without control resource set (CORESET) zero and cell-defining synchronization signal block (CD-SSB, affecting power savings and frequency resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
Configuring a pair of unrestricted BWPs, including an unrestricted UL and DL BWP, allowing for BWP switches and SDT without CORESET #0 or CD-SSB, enabling flexible resource allocation and power saving modes for various UE types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If restrictive BWP configurations are used for SDT, then system complexity is reduced, but frequency resource utilization becomes inefficient and congestion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bandwidth part configuration by introducing multiple BWP types (initial BWP, default BWP, unrestricted BWP) that can be independently configured and activated. This segmentation allows the system to divide frequency resources into specialized segments for different UE states and traffic types, improving resource utilization without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic BWP switching mechanisms that allow UEs to transition between different BWP configurations based on their operational state (connected, inactive, idle) and traffic requirements. This dynamic adaptation enables efficient frequency resource utilization while maintaining manageable configuration complexity through state-driven transitions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If unrestricted BWPs are configured for SDT, then adaptability and resource utilization improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple BWP types (initial, default, unrestricted) with predetermined characteristics and requirements. UEs are prepared with knowledge of these pre-defined configurations before entering inactive state, enabling quick transitions without real-time configuration complexity. The network pre-establishes the unrestricted BWP parameters, so UEs simply need to activate the appropriate pre-configured BWP based on their state.
3Adaptability or versatility
If BWP switch operations are performed frequently, then resource allocation flexibility improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through the BWP inactivity timer mechanism. Instead of continuous BWP monitoring and switching, the system uses timer-based periodic checks to determine when BWP switching is necessary. UEs remain in their current BWP configuration until the inactivity timer triggers a switch to a default or unrestricted BWP, reducing unnecessary switching operations and associated power consumption while maintaining resource allocation flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for wireless communication at a UE and related apparatus are provided. In the method, the UE configures a pair of unrestricted BWPs for communication with a network entity. The pair of unrestricted BWPs includes an unrestricted UL BWP and an unrestricted DL BWP. The UE further performs, based on at least one of the unrestricted UL BWP or the unrestricted DL BWP, a BWP operation for the communication with the network entity. The BWP operation includes one or more of a BWP switch or an SDT with the network entity.