WO2025089755A1

WO2025089755A1 - Method and system for maintaining synchronization between user equipment and base station in wireless communication network

Info

Publication number: WO2025089755A1
Application number: PCT/KR2024/016102
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ankit Srivastav; Sarvesha Anegundi Ganapathi; Kamuganti Vamshidhar; Kwanghun Kim
Original assignee: Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Current assignee: Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Priority date: 2023-10-23
Filing date: 2024-10-22
Publication date: 2025-05-01
Anticipated expiration: 2026-04-23

Abstract

Provided is a system and method for managing bandwidth part (BWP) configuration, the method including: determining, by a base station (BS) in communication with a user equipment (UE), that a BWP configuration from a plurality of BWPs is to be shared with the UE; and transmitting, by the BS, the BWP configuration in one of a downlink control information (DCI) signaling or a layer 1 (L1) signaling using one of a plurality of predefined operations such that a connection between the UE and the BS is maintained.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MAINTAINING SYNCHRONIZATION BETWEEN USER EQUIPMENT AND BASE STATION IN WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORK

The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communication, and particularly, the present disclosure relates to method and system for maintaining synchronization between a user equipment (UE) and a base station (BS) in a wireless communication network.

In the 5th generation (5G) standards, the concept of Bandwidth Part (BWP) was introduced, allowing user equipment (UE) and the network (NW) to communicate using a specific, smaller bandwidth region instead of the full deployed bandwidth. These regions are identified by Bandwidth Part Identifiers (BWP IDs). The NW can dynamically change the allocated BWP among the many BWPs based on many conditions including the available data to be transmitted. The change of BWPs can be indicated through one of L1 (DCI based), L2 (MAC CE) or L3 (RRC Reconfiguration) messages. The NW will use L1 (e.g., DCI) based indication to change from one BWP to target BWP to reduce the overall latency and to ensure minimum gap in the data exchange.

Downlink Control Information (DCI)-based BWP switching was introduced in 3GPP Release 15 and has since been deployed by many network operators globally. When false alarm detection for BWP switch DCI happens due to blind decoding ,or if the UE misses a DCI indicating a BWP change (possibly due to low signal strength, interference, or other factors),a mismatch occurs between the UE's BWP ID and the network, preventing communication between the two.

This mismatch leads to a Radio Resource Reestablishment (RRE), during which the UE and the network must resynchronize. However, since RRE can take anywhere from 1 to 3 seconds (depending on parameters like Diameter Signaling Router (DSR) MAX Failure and MAX Random Access Channel (RACH) Fail Count), the delay poses a significant problem.

Currently, the 3GPP specification has one key restriction on the DCI used for BWP switching, which is outlined in section 12 of 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) specification 38.213. According to the solution, a UE expects to detect a DCI format with a BWP indicator field for uplink or downlink BWP changes only if the corresponding Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) is received within the first three symbols of a slot. However, this does not suffice to avoid mismatches of BWP between the UE and the network. Further, due to the inherent complexity of the DCI decoding process, it is not possible to fully resolve this issue through UE-side solutions alone, although the risk of mismatches can be reduced.

Further, in the current 3GPP specifications, BWP switching can be triggered by any DCI format (0_1/0_2 or 1_1/1_2) decoded on any search space configured for the active BWP. This feature is enabled by default, making the PDCCH decoder susceptible to both false positives and false negatives.

Therefore, there is a need to provide a solution to the above-mentioned problems in a communication network.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of features, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the disclosure. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the disclosure nor is it intended for determining the scope of the disclosure.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, a method for managing bandwidth part (BWP) configuration includes: determining, by a base station (BS) in communication with a user equipment (UE), that a BWP configuration from a plurality of BWPs is to be shared with the UE; and transmitting, by the BS, the BWP configuration in one of a downlink control information (DCI) signaling or a layer 1 (L1) signaling using one of a plurality of predefined operations such that a connection between the UE and the BS is maintained.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, a method for managing bandwidth part (BWP) configuration includes: receiving, by a user equipment (UE) in communication with a base station (BS), a BWP configuration in one of a downlink control information (DCI) signaling or a layer 1 (L1) signaling, wherein the BWP configuration indicates a target BWP for the UE; and validating, by the UE, the received BWP configuration such that a connection between the UE and the BS is maintained.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, a system for managing bandwidth part (BWP) configuration includes: at least one memory storing one or more instructions; at least one processor configured to execute the one or more instructions, wherein the one or more instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the system to: determine that a BWP configuration from a plurality of BWPs is to be shared with a user equipment (UE), and transmit the BWP configuration in one of a downlink control information (DCI) signaling or a layer 1 (L1) signaling using one of a plurality of predefined operations such that a connection between the UE and the BS is maintained.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, a system for managing bandwidth part (BWP) configuration includes: at least one memory storing one or more instructions; at least one processor configured to execute the one or more instructions, wherein the one or more instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the system to: receive a BWP configuration in one of a downlink control information (DCI) signaling or a layer 1 (L1) signaling, wherein the BWP configuration indicates a target BWP for a user equipment (UE), and validate the received BWP configuration such that a connection between the UE and the BS is maintained.

To further clarify the advantages and features of the disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

The above and other aspects and features of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communication network that supports managing bandwidth part (BWP) configuration, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a flow diagram depicting a method for providing bandwidth part (BWP) configuration to a user equipment (UE), in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 6 and7 illustrate signal flow diagrams for managing BWP configuration, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram depicting a method for managing BWP configuration at the UE, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) module, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 illustrates a signal flow diagram for managing the BWP configuration at the UE, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 11 illustrates a block diagram of a system for managing the BWP configuration in the wireless communication network, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent operations involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the disclosure. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the disclosure so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

Reference throughout this specification to "an aspect", "another aspect" or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of operations does not include only those operations but may include other operations not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more systems or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

The term "couple" and the derivatives thereof refer to any direct or indirect communication between two or more elements, whether or not those elements are in physical contact with each other. The terms "transmit", "receive", and "communicate" as well as the derivatives thereof encompass both direct and indirect communication. The term "or" is an inclusive term meaning "and/or". The phrase "associated with," as well as derivatives thereof, refer to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, have a relationship to or with, or the like. The term "controller" refers to any device, system, or part thereof that controls at least one operation. The functionality associated with any particular controller may be centralized or distributed, whether locally or remotely. The phrase "at least one of," when used with a list of items, means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used, and only one item in the list may be needed. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" includes any of the following combinations: only A, only B, only C, both A and B, both A and C, both B and C, and all of A and B and C, and any variations thereof. As an additional example, the expression "at least one of a, b, or c" may indicate only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, all of a, b, and c, or any variations thereof. Similarly, the term "set" means one or more. Accordingly, the set of items may be a single item or a collection of two or more items.

Moreover, multiple functions described below may be implemented or supported by one or more computer programs, each of which is formed from computer readable program code and embodied in a computer readable medium. The terms "application" and "program" refer to one or more computer programs, software components, sets of instructions, procedures, functions, objects, classes, instances, related data, or a portion thereof adapted for implementation in a suitable computer readable program code. The phrase "computer readable program code" includes any type of computer code, including source code, object code, and executable code. The phrase "computer readable medium" includes any type of medium capable of being accessed by a computer, such as Read Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), a hard disk drive, a Compact Disc (CD), a Digital Video Disc (DVD), or any other type of memory. A "non-transitory" computer readable medium excludes wired, wireless, optical, or other communication links that transport transitory electrical or other signals. A non-transitory computer readable medium includes media where data may be permanently stored and media where data may be stored and later overwritten, such as a rewritable optical disc or an erasable memory device.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communication network that supports managing BWP configuration, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The wireless communication network 100 may include one or more UEs 101, a core network 103 and one or more base stations 105. In some examples, the wireless communication network 100 may be a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, an LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) network, an LTE-A Pro network, or a New Radio (NR) network or future network based on similar principles. In some examples, the wireless communication network 100 may support enhanced broadband communications, ultra-reliable (e.g., mission-critical) communications, low latency communications, communications with low-cost and low-complexity devices, or any combination thereof.

The one or more base stations 105 may be dispersed throughout a geographic area to form the wireless communication network 100 and may be devices in different forms or having different capabilities. The one or more base stations 105 and the one or more UEs 101 may wirelessly communicate via one or more communication links 107. Each base station 105 may provide a coverage area over which the one or more UEs 101 and the base station 105 may establish one or more communication links 107. The coverage area may be an example of a geographic area over which one of the base station 105 and one of the UE 101 may support the communication of signals according to one or more radio access technologies. The coverage area may include a primary cell (PCell) and/or one or more of secondary cells (Scells) belonging to a master cell group (MCG) to which one of the UEs 101 is connected, and a primary secondary cell (PSCell) and/or one or more of Scells belonging to a secondary cell group (SCG) to which the same UE 101 may be connected.

The one or more UEs 101 may be dispersed throughout the coverage area of the wireless communication network 100, and each UE 101 may be stationary, mobile, or both at different times. The one or more UEs 101 may be devices in different forms or having different capabilities.

One or more of the base stations 105 described herein may include or may be referred to by a person having ordinary skill in the art as a base transceiver station, a radio base station, an access point, a radio transceiver, a NodeB, an eNodeB (eNB), a next-generation NodeB or a gNodeB (either of which may be referred to as a gNB), a Home NodeB, a Home eNodeB, or other suitable terminology.

The one or more UEs 101 may include or may be referred to as a mobile device, a wireless device, a remote device, a handheld device, a subscriber device, or some other suitable terminology, where the "device" may also be referred to as a unit, a station, a terminal, or a client, among other examples. The one or more UEs 101 may also include or may be referred to as a personal electronic device, such as a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or a personal computer. In some examples, the one or more UEs 101 may include or be referred to as a wireless local loop (WLL) station, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, an Internet of Everything (IoE) device, or a machine-type communications (MTC) device, among other examples, which may be implemented in various objects such as appliances, or vehicles, meters, among other examples. Further, the one or more UEs 101 may correspond to a UE with a single subscriber identity module (SIM) or a UE with a multi SIM.

The one or more UEs 101 described herein may be able to communicate with various types of devices, such as other UEs 101 that may sometimes act as relays as well as the base stations 105 and the network equipment including macro eNBs or gNBs, small cell eNBs or gNBs, or relay base stations, among other examples, as shown in FIG. 1. Further, it should be noted that although only two UEs 101 and two base stations 105 are depicted in FIG. 1for illustration purposes, the wireless communication system 100 may include additional UEs and base stations.

FIG. 2 illustrates a flow diagram depicting a method 200 (operation) for providing BWP configuration to the UE, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. In one or more embodiments, the method 200 as described in FIG. 2 may be performed by the base station 105. Accordingly, FIG. 2 has been explained in conjunction with FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 2, at operation 201, the method 200 includes determining, by the BS 105 communication with the UE 101, that a BWP configuration from a plurality of BWPs is to be shared with the UE 101. In an exemplary embodiment, the BWP configuration may be related to initial BWP, initial downlink BWP, initial uplink BWP, first active BWP, default downlink BWP, BWP switching, etc. In one or more embodiments, the BS 105 may perform the operation 201 in accordance with techniques known to a person skilled in the art.

In response to the determination, at operation 303, the method 300 includes transmitting the BWP configuration in one of a downlink control information (DCI) signaling or layer 1 (L1) signaling using one of a plurality of predefined operations such that a connection between the UE 101 and the BS 105 is maintained. In particular, the BS 105 may transmit the BWP configuration in one of the predefined operations, which helps reduce false alarms, false negatives, and/or delays in transmitting the BWP configuration. As a result, the connection between the UE 101 and the BS 105 is maintained. The plurality of predefined operations have been further defined in reference to FIGS. 3-7. FIGS. 3-7 illustrate signal flow diagrams for providing BWP configuration to the UE, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

In one or more embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, one of the predefined operations may include mapping the DCI signaling or the L1 signaling to a predetermined search space in a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). The BS 105 may map the DCI signaling or the L1 signaling to the predetermined search space in the PDCCH. Particularly, the BS 105 may use any of the available search spaces to transmit the BWP configuration. However, the BS 105 also transmits the information associated with the predetermined search space to the UE 101 such that the UE 101 may correctly decode the BWP configuration. Particularly, the associated information may help the UE 101 in identifying the predetermined search space.

Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 3, at operation 301, the UE 101 and the base station 105 are in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) Connected state.

At operation 303, the base station 105 sends an RRC Reconfiguration indicating BWP database to the UE 101. The BWP database indicates a plurality of available BWPs and their corresponding characteristics.

At operation 305, the UE 101 sends RRC Reconfiguration Complete message to the base station 105.

At operation 307, the BS 105 transmits the information associated with the predetermined search space to the UE 101.

At operation 309, the BS 105 transmit the BWP configuration using the predetermined search space to the UE 101.

At operation 311, the BS 105 and the 101 are continued to be in RRC connected state.

In this approach, the BS 105 restricts the BWP DCIs based on time and frequency. Additionally, the BS 105 enhances detection specificity, thereby reducing the number of false alarm candidates.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, one of the predefined operations may include providing an indication of the DCI signaling or the L1 signaling using a predefined radio network temporary identifier (RNTI). Accordingly, the BS 105 may provide the indication of the DCI signaling or the L1 signaling using the RNTI to the UE 101. In particular, the BS 105 may determine the RNTI to use while transmitting the BWP configuration and may transmit the BWP configuration using the RNTI. However, in such a scenario, the BS 105 may transmit information associated with the predefined RNTI to the UE 101 prior to transmitting the BWP configuration. Particularly, the associated information may help the UE 101 in identifying the predefined RNTI. This way the UE 101 may correctly decode the BWP configuration. In another embodiment, the predefined RNTI may be pre-stored at the UE 101.

Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 4, at operation 401, the UE 101 and the base station 105 are in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) Connected state.

At operation 403, the base station 105 sends an RRC Reconfiguration indicating BWP database to the UE 101. The BWP database indicates a plurality of available BWPs and their corresponding characteristics.

At operation 405, the UE 101 sends RRC Reconfiguration Complete message to the base station 105.

At operation 407, the BS 105 transmits the information associated with the predefined RNTI to the UE 101.

At operation 409, the BS 105 transmit the BWP configuration using the predefined RNTI to the UE 101.

At operation 411, the BS 105 and the 101 are continued to be in RRC connected state.

In this approach, the BS 105 restricts the BWP DCIs based on time and frequency and a unique identifier. Additionally, the BS 105 enhances detection specificity, thereby reducing the number of false alarm candidates.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, one of the predefined operations may include providing the BWP configuration in the DCI signaling or the L1 signaling using a predefined bit pattern. Accordingly, the BS 105 may transmit the BWP configuration using the predefined bit pattern to the UE 101. In particular, the BS 105 may determine the bit pattern to use while transmitting the BWP configuration and may transmit the BWP configuration using the bit pattern. However, in such a scenario, the BS 105 may transmit information associated with the predefined bit pattern to the UE 101 prior to transmitting the BWP configuration. The UE 101 may then use the predefined bit pattern to validate the BWP configuration. In one or more embodiments, the BS 105 may transmit information associated with the predefined bit pattern to the UE 101 prior to transmitting the BWP configuration. In another embodiment, the predefined bit pattern may be pre-stored at the UE 101.

Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 5, at operation 501, the UE 101 and the base station 105 are in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) Connected state.

At operation 503, the base station 105 sends an RRC Reconfiguration indicating BWP database to the UE 101. The BWP database indicates a plurality of available BWPs and their corresponding characteristics.

At operation 505, the UE 101 sends RRC Reconfiguration Complete message to the base station 105.

At operation 507, the BS 105 transmits the information associated with the predefined bit pattern to the UE 101.

At operation 509, the BS 105 transmit the BWP configuration using the predefined bit pattern to the UE 101.

At operation 511, the BS 105 and the 101 are continued to be in RRC connected state.

This approach helps the UE 101 to validate the BWP configuration and filter out false alarms.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, one of the predefined operations may include providing the BWP configuration using a predefined aggregation level associated with the DCI signaling or the L1 signaling. Accordingly, the BS 105 may transmit the BWP configuration using the predefined aggregation level to the UE 101. In one or more embodiments, the BS 105 may transmit information associated with the predefined aggregation level to the UE 101 prior to transmitting the BWP configuration. The information associated with the predefined aggregation level may indicate the size of the DCI. In another embodiment, the predefined aggregation level may be pre-stored at the UE 101.

Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 6, at operation 601, the UE 101 and the base station 105 are in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) Connected state.

At operation 603, the base station 105 sends an RRC Reconfiguration indicating BWP database to the UE 101. The BWP database indicates a plurality of available BWPs and their corresponding characteristics.

At operation 605, the UE 101 sends RRC Reconfiguration Complete message to the base station 105.

At operation 607, the BS 105 transmits the information associated with the predefined aggregation level to the UE 101.

At operation 609, the BS 105 transmit the BWP configuration using the predefined aggregation level to the UE 101.

At operation 611, the BS 105 and the 101 are continued to be in RRC connected state.

This approach reduces the possibility of false negatives as well as false positives.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the BS 105 may receive a signal strength associated with a connection between the UE 101 and the BS 105. For example, the BS 105 may receive the signal strength from the UE 101. In one or more embodiments, the BS 105 may receive the signal strength using techniques known in the art. Further, the BS 105 may transmit the BWP configuration when the signal strength is above a predefined threshold. The predefined threshold may be configured by the BS 105.

Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 7, at operation 701, the UE 101 and the base station 105 are in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) Connected state.

At operation 703, the base station 105 sends an RRC Reconfiguration indicating BWP database to the UE 101. The BWP database indicates a plurality of available BWPs and their corresponding characteristics.

At operation 705, the UE 101 sends a RRC Reconfiguration Complete message to the base station 105.

At operation 707, the BS 105 receives the signal strength from the UE 101.

At operation 709, the BS 105 transmit the BWP configuration when the signal strength is above the predefined threshold.

At operation 711, the BS 105 and the 101 are continued to be in RRC connected state.

This approach reduces the possibility of false negatives.

In a further embodiment, the BS 105 may transmit a L1/L2/L3 layer based indication to trigger start of reception of BWP configuration by the UE 101. In particular, the BS 105 may transmit the L1/L2/L3 layer based indication to the UE 101 and the UE 101 may start the reception of the BWP configuration in response to the indication.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram depicting a method for managing BWP configuration at the UE 101, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In one or more embodiments, the method 800 as described in FIG. 8 may be performed by the UE 101. Accordingly, FIG. 8 has been explained in conjunction with FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 8, at operation 801, the method 800 may include receiving a BWP configuration in one of the DCI signaling or layer 1 (L1) signaling. In one or more embodiments, the BWP configuration may be received at a PDCCH module 901, as shown in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 9, the PDCCH module 901 may include a database 903 and a PDCCH decoder 905. The PDCCH module 901 may be a part of the UE 101 and may perform the method 800. Accordingly, the BWP configuration may be received from the BS 105 at the PDCCH module 901. In one or more embodiments, the BWP configuration may be sent in one of the DCI signaling or L1 signaling in accordance with techniques described in reference to FIGS. 3-7. Accordingly, the information associated with the one of the predefined operations may be stored at the database 903. The stored information may then be used by the PDCCH decoder 905 to validate the BWP configuration by the PDCCH decoder 905. In another embodiment, the BWP configuration may be sent in accordance with techniques known in the art. In one or more embodiments, the BWP configuration indicates a target BWP for the UE. The UE 101 may switch to the target BWP upon validating the BWP configuration.

Then, at operation 803, the method 800 may include validating the received BWP configuration such that a connection between the UE and the BS is maintained. In particular, the PDCCH decoder 905 may validate the BWP configuration in one of the following embodiments, which helps reduce false alarms, false negatives, and/or delays in using the BWP configuration. As a result, the connection between the UE 101 and the BS 105 is maintained.

In one or more embodiments, the PDCCH decoder 905 may monitor simultaneously a source BWP associated with the UE and the target BWP till the reception of a next DCI signaling or the L1 signaling. The source BWP refers to the BWP that the UE 101 is currently using to communicate with the BS 105. Accordingly, the PDCCH decoder 905 may simultaneously monitor the source BWP and the target BWP. However, the PDCCH decoder 905 does not switch to the target BWP till the reception of the next DCI signaling or the L1 signaling. The next DCI signaling or the L1 signaling may include a second BWP. The PDCCH decoder 905 may then determine if the target BWP and the second BWP are the same. If both the BWPs (i.e., the target BWP and the second BWP) are the same, then the PDCCH decoder 905 may validate the received BWP configuration. The PDCCH decoder 905 may then switch to the target BWP upon validating the target BWP.

In another embodiment, the UE 101 may transmit a predefined number of scheduling requests (SRs) using the target BWP. The PDCCH decoder 905 may then validate the received BWP configuration upon receiving an uplink (UL) grant on the target BWP before the expiration of the predefined number of SRs or a predefined timer. Accordingly, the PDCCH decoder 905 may switch to the target BWP if the UE 101 receives the UL grant on the target BWP before the expiration of the predefined number of SRs or a predefined timer. However, if the target BWP is not validated, i.e., the PDCCH decoder 905 fails to receive the UL grant on the target BWP before the expiration of the predefined number of SRs or the predefined timer, then the PDCCH decoder 905 may switch to the source BWP. In one or more embodiments, the predefined number of SRs and the predefined timer may be determined based on at least one of a downlink channel strength, an uplink channel strength, signal to interference ratio, SR periodicity, and Time Division Duplex (TDD) configuration.

In a further embodiment, the PDCCH decoder 905 may determine whether a BWP received in a predefined number of DCIs or the L1 signaling is different from a source BWP. If the said BWP is different from the source BWP, then PDCCH decoder 905 may validate the BWP configuration. Then, the PDCCH decoder 905 may switch to target BWP based on the determination. In one or more embodiments, the predefined number of DCIs or the L1 signaling is determined based on at least one of a downlink signal strength, an uplink channel strength, a signal-to-interference ratio, and a PDCCH error rate.

FIG. 10 illustrates a signal flow diagram for managing the BWP configuration at the UE 101.

Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 10, at operation 1001, the UE 101 and the base station 105 are in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) Connected state.

At operation 1003, the base station 105 sends an RRC Reconfiguration - Indicate BWP database.

At operation 1005, the UE 101 sends RRC Reconfiguration Complete message to the base station 105.

At operation 1007, the UE 101 receives the BWP configuration from the BS 105.

At operation 1009, the UE 101 validates the BWP configuration in accordance with techniques as discussed in reference to FIGS. 8-9.

At operation 1011, the BS 105 and the 101 are continued to be in RRC connected state.

FIG. 11 illustrates a block diagram of a system for managing the BWP configuration, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

The configuration of FIG. 11 may be understood as a part of the configuration of the BS 105, when the system 1100 is configured to perform the method of FIGS. 2-7. Accordingly, the method 200 as disclosed above may be implemented in the system 1100 according to a further embodiment. In another embodiment, the configuration of FIG. 10 may be understood as a part of the configuration of the UE 101, when the system 1100 is configured to perform the method of FIGS. 8-10. Accordingly, the method 800 as disclosed above may be implemented in the system 1100 according to a further embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10, the system 1100 may include "processor(s)" which is at least one processor 1101, a communication circuit 1103 (e.g., communicator or communication interface), and a memory 1105.

As an example, the at least one processor 1101 may be a single processor or a number of processors, all of which could include multiple computing circuits. The processor 1101 may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the processor 1101 is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions and data stored in the memory 1105. The processor 1101 may include one or a plurality of processors. At this time, one or a plurality of processors 1101 may be a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), an Application Processor (AP), or the like, a graphics-only processing unit such as a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), a Visual Processing Unit (VPU), and/or an AI-dedicated processor such as a Neural Processing Unit (NPU). The one or a plurality of processors 1101 may control the processing of the input data in accordance with a predefined operating rule or Artificial Intelligence (AI) model stored in the non-volatile memory and the volatile memory, i.e., the memory 1105. The predefined operating rule or AI model is provided through training or learning.

The communication circuit 1103 may perform functions for transmitting and receiving signals via a wireless channel. In one or more embodiments, the communication circuit 1103 may transmit/receive the BWP configuration, in accordance with techniques disclosed in the disclosure. In another embodiment, the at least one processor 1101 may perform operations 201-203 of FIG. 2 via the communication circuit 1103. In another embodiment, the at least one processor 1101 may perform operations 801-803 of FIG. 3 via the communication circuit 1103.

The memory 1105 may include one or more of any non-transitory computer-readable medium known in the art including, for example, volatile memory, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) and Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as Read-Only Memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, optical disks, and magnetic tapes. The memory 1105 may also store the BWP configuration in accordance with techniques disclosed in the disclosure.

Embodiments disclosed herein are exemplary in nature, and the system 1100 may include additional components required to implement the desired functionality of the system 1100 in accordance with the requirements of the disclosure.

Accordingly, the disclosure provides techniques for maintaining synchronization between the UE 101 and the BS 105.

Accordingly, the disclosure provides various advantages. For example, the disclosure provides techniques to reduce false alarms and false negatives in transmitting/receiving the BWP configuration. The disclosed techniques also help in validating the BWP configuration at the UE 101.

Accordingly, the methods described for effective BWP configuration for maintaining the link between UE 101 and BS 105 can be applied or extended to similar applications employing L1 (DCI) signaling.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any component(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or component of any or all the claims.

While specific language has been used to describe the present subject matter, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the embodiments disclosed herein. The drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.

Claims

A method for managing bandwidth part (BWP) configuration, the method comprising:

determining, by a base station (BS) in communication with a user equipment (UE), that a BWP configuration from a plurality of BWPs is to be shared with the UE; and

transmitting, by the BS, the BWP configuration in one of a downlink control information (DCI) signaling or a layer 1 (L1) signaling using one of a plurality of predefined operations such that a connection between the UE and the BS is maintained.
The method of claim 1,

wherein the one of the plurality of predefined operations comprises mapping the DCI signaling or the L1 signaling to a predetermined search space in a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), and

wherein the transmitting the BWP configuration comprises transmitting information associated with the predetermined search space to the UE.
The method of claim 1,

wherein the one of the plurality of predefined operations comprises providing an indication of the DCI signaling or the L1 signaling using a predefined radio network temporary identifier (RNTI), and

wherein the method further comprises:

transmitting information associated with the predefined RNTI to the UE prior to transmitting the BWP configuration.
The method of claim 1, wherein the one of the plurality of predefined operations comprises:

providing an indication of the DCI signaling or the L1 signaling using a predefined RNTI, wherein the predefined RNTI is pre-stored at the UE.
The method of claim 1,

wherein the one of the plurality of predefined operations comprises providing the BWP configuration in the DCI signaling or the L1 signaling using a predefined bit pattern, and

wherein the method further comprises:

transmitting information associated with the predefined bit pattern to the UE prior to transmitting the BWP configuration.
The method of claim 1, wherein the one of the plurality of predefined operations comprises:

providing an indication of the DCI signaling or the L1 signaling using a predefined bit pattern, wherein the predefined bit pattern is pre-stored at the UE.
The method of claim 1,

wherein the transmitting the BWP configuration further comprises transmitting the BWP configuration using a predefined aggregation level associated with the DCI signaling or the L1 signaling, and

wherein the method further comprises:

transmitting information associated with the predefined aggregation level to the UE.
The method of claim 1, wherein the one of the plurality of predefined operations comprises:

providing an indication of the DCI signaling or the L1 signaling using a predefined aggregation level associated with the DCI signaling or the L1 signaling, wherein the predefined aggregation level is pre-stored at the UE.
The method of claim 1, wherein the transmitting the BWP configuration further comprises:

receiving a signal strength associated with the connection between the UE and the BS; and

based on the signal strength being above a predefined threshold, transmitting the BWP configuration.
The method of claim 9, further comprising:

transmitting a L1/layer 2 (L2)/layer 3 (L3) based indication to trigger start of reception of the BWP configuration by the UE.
A method for managing bandwidth part (BWP) configuration, the method comprising:

receiving, by a user equipment (UE) in communication with a base station (BS), a BWP configuration in one of a downlink control information (DCI) signaling or a layer 1 (L1) signaling, wherein the BWP configuration indicates a target BWP for the UE; and

validating, by the UE, the received BWP configuration such that a connection between the UE and the BS is maintained.
The method of claim 11, wherein the validating the received BWP configuration comprises:

simultaneously monitoring a source BWP associated with the UE and the target BWP until reception of a next DCI signaling or a next L1 signaling, wherein the next DCI signaling or the next L1 signaling comprises a second BWP;

determining whether the target BWP and the second BWP are the same; and

validating the received BWP configuration based on the determination of whether the target BWP and the second BWP are the same.
The method of claim 11, wherein the validating the received BWP configuration comprises:

transmitting a predefined number of scheduling requests (SRs) using the target BWP; and

based on upon receiving an uplink (UL) grant on the target BWP before the expiration of the predefined number of SRs or a predefined timer, validating the received BWP configuration.
The method of claim 13, further comprising:

based on a failure to receive the UL grant on the target BWP before the expiration of the predefined number of SRs or the predefined timer, switching to a source BWP.
The method of claim 13, wherein the predefined number of SRs and the predefined timer are based on at least one of a downlink channel strength, an uplink channel strength, a signal to interference ratio, a SR periodicity, and a Time Division Duplex (TDD) configuration.
The method of claim 11,

wherein the validating the received BWP configuration comprises:

based on determining whether a BWP received in a predefined number of DCIs or in the L1 signaling is different from a source BWP, validating the BWP configuration based on the determination, and

wherein the method further comprises:

switching to a target BWP based on the determination of whether the BWP received in the predefined number of DCIs or in the L1 signaling is different from the source BWP.
The method of claim 16, wherein the predefined number of DCIs or the L1 signaling is determined based on at least one of a downlink signal strength, an uplink channel strength, a signal to interference ratio, and a PDCCH error rate.
A system for managing bandwidth part (BWP) configuration, the system comprising:

at least one memory storing one or more instructions;

at least one processor configured to execute the one or more instructions, wherein the one or more instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the system to:

determine that a BWP configuration from a plurality of BWPs is to be shared with a user equipment (UE), and

transmit the BWP configuration in one of a downlink control information (DCI) signaling or a layer 1 (L1) signaling using one of a plurality of predefined operations such that a connection between the UE and the BS is maintained.
A system for managing bandwidth part (BWP) configuration, the system comprising:

at least one memory storing one or more instructions;

at least one processor configured to execute the one or more instructions, wherein the one or more instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the system to:

receive a BWP configuration in one of a downlink control information (DCI) signaling or a layer 1 (L1) signaling, wherein the BWP configuration indicates a target BWP for a user equipment (UE), and

validate the received BWP configuration such that a connection between the UE and the BS is maintained.
The system of claim 18,

wherein the one of the plurality of predefined operations comprises mapping the DCI signaling or the L1 signaling to a predetermined search space in a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), and

wherein the one or more instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the system to transmit information associated with the predetermined search space to the UE.
The system of claim 18,

wherein the one of the plurality of predefined operations comprises providing an indication of the DCI signaling or the L1 signaling using a predefined radio network temporary identifier (RNTI), and

wherein the one or more instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the system to transmit information associated with the predefined RNTI to the UE prior to transmitting the BWP configuration.