5G • RAN
BWP Switching
Dynamic Bandwidth Part Switching
Mechanism to dynamically switch a UE's active BWP via DCI, inactivity timer, or RRC signaling.
Technical Explanation
BWP switching enables dynamic adaptation of UE operating bandwidth and numerology. It can be commanded in real-time via DCI Format 0_1 / 1_1 using the Bandwidth Part Indicator field, autonomously triggered by the bwp-InactivityTimer, or initiated via RRC reconfiguration. Switching delays are standardized (Type 1 or Type 2) to account for RF PLL retuning.
Key Functions
- Switches active frequency bandwidth in sub-millisecond timescales via DCI
- Enables on-demand scaling between 20 MHz (idle) and 100 MHz (burst data)
- Standardizes RF retuning guard periods to prevent packet loss
Specifications
3GPP TS 38.213, TS 38.133
Interfaces
Uu
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