Bandwidth Parts in 5G New Radio

Home > Technical Articles > Bandwidth Parts in 5G New Radio

BWP in 5G NR

Bandwidth Parts (BWP) is a feature introduced in 5G New Radio (NR) that enables flexible allocation of the system bandwidth to different services, use cases, or applications based on their bandwidth requirements. In this article, we will discuss the technical details of BWP in 5G NR.

Introduction

In 5G NR, the system bandwidth is divided into multiple bandwidth parts (BWPs). A BWP is a subset of the total system bandwidth that can be allocated to a specific service, use case, or application. The size of a BWP can be varied based on the bandwidth requirements of the service.

The concept of BWP was introduced in 5G NR to address the challenges of providing high bandwidth to multiple services, while ensuring efficient use of the available resources. BWP enables operators to allocate bandwidth in a flexible manner to meet the specific requirements of each service.

BWP Types

In 5G NR, there are three types of BWPs:

1. Initial BWP: The initial BWP is the first BWP that is allocated to a UE when it connects to the network. The size of the initial BWP is determined by the network based on the UE's capabilities and the available resources.
2. Serving BWP: The serving BWP is the BWP currently in use by a UE. The serving BWP can be changed by the network based on the service requirements and the available resources.
3. Configured BWP: The configured BWP is a set of BWPs that are configured by the network for a specific service or use case. The UE can switch to any of the configured BWPs based on the requirements of the service.

BWP Configuration

In 5G NR, the network configures the BWPs based on the service requirements and the available resources. The network can configure one or more BWPs for a specific service or use case. The UE can switch between the configured BWPs based on the requirements of the service.

The network configures the BWPs based on the following parameters:

1. BWP size: The size of the BWP can be varied based on the bandwidth requirements of the service. The network can configure different BWP sizes for different services or use cases.
2. BWP frequency: The frequency range of the BWP can be configured by the network based on the available resources and the service requirements.
3. BWP location: The location of the BWP within the system bandwidth can be configured by the network. The network can allocate the BWP at the center of the system bandwidth or at the edge of the system bandwidth, based on the service requirements.

BWP Operation

In 5G NR, the UE operates in a specific BWP based on the service requirements and the network configuration. The UE can switch between the configured BWPs based on the requirements of the service.

The UE can operate in the following modes:

1. Intra-BWP: In the intra-BWP mode, the UE operates within a specific BWP without switching to another BWP. This mode is used when the service does not require high bandwidth and the UE can operate within a single BWP.
2. Inter-BWP: In the inter-BWP mode, the UE switches between different BWPs based on the service requirements. The UE can switch between BWPs within a single carrier or across multiple carriers.
3. Dynamic BWP: In the dynamic BWP mode, the UE can request a change in the BWP based on the service requirements. The UE sends a request to the network to change the BWP, and the network responds with a new BWP configuration.