Uplink Bandwidth Part Management in Unlicensed Spectrum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current standards do not effectively address uplink scheduling and management issues associated with multiple bandwidth part configurations in user equipment for 5G New Radio in unlicensed spectrum, particularly in managing simultaneous active uplink bandwidth parts for scheduled and autonomous data or control channel transmissions.
Innovation Solution
Configuring user equipment with two or more simultaneous active uplink bandwidth parts, where at least one is reserved for scheduled uplink data or control channel transmission and another for autonomous uplink data or control channel transmission, with the ability to suspend autonomous BWP transmission during scheduled BWP transmission, utilizing modified Downlink Control Information formats for signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a UE is configured with multiple uplink bandwidth parts for simultaneous scheduled and autonomous transmissions, then channel access opportunities and spectrum utilization are improved, but transmission collision and scheduling complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the uplink bandwidth parts into distinct types: scheduled uplink (SUL) bandwidth parts for gNB-scheduled transmissions and autonomous uplink (AUL) bandwidth parts for UE-autonomous transmissions. This segmentation allows simultaneous operation on multiple BWPs without collision by clearly separating their access mechanisms and resource allocation methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic BWP switching and suspension mechanisms where the UE can switch between SUL and AUL BWPs based on scheduling conditions, and suspend AUL transmissions when SUL transmissions are scheduled. This dynamic adaptation resolves scheduling complexity by providing clear state transitions and conflict resolution rules.
2Productivity
If autonomous uplink transmissions are allowed on separate bandwidth parts, then uplink management efficiency is improved, but transmission collisions between scheduled and autonomous channels increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the uplink spectrum into separate SUL BWPs and AUL BWPs with distinct access procedures. SUL BWPs use scheduled access where the gNB grants resources via DCI, while AUL BWPs use autonomous access where the UE independently selects resources. This spatial and procedural segmentation eliminates transmission collisions by ensuring scheduled and autonomous transmissions occur on separated frequency resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a suspension mechanism as an intermediary control where AUL transmissions on a BWP can be suspended when SUL transmissions are scheduled on another BWP. This mediator prevents potential collisions by coordinating between the two transmission types, allowing efficient uplink management while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments comprise systems, methods, architectures, mechanisms, apparatus, computer implemented method and/or framework configured to provide uplink scheduling/managing of multiple bandwidth parts (BWPs) for user equipment (UE) configured to transmit via unlicensed spectrum such as 5G New Radio in unlicensed spectrum (NR-U).