Adaptive NB-IoT Measurement Procedure for Operational Modes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing measurement procedures for Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) devices face challenges due to reduced UE bandwidth, impacting measurement accuracy and time/rate, especially in varying operational modes such as stand-alone, guard-band, and in-band operations.

Innovation Solution

Adapting measurement procedures based on the operational mode of the cell, including adjusting measurement time, sampling frequency, and cell selection/reselection parameters to optimize performance in different signal transmission configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If measurement procedures are performed using reduced UE bandwidth in NB-IoT, then device complexity and power consumption are reduced, but measurement accuracy and measurement time are degraded

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUE bandwidthVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the measurement procedure adaptive to different operational modes (stand-alone, guard-band, in-band). The UE dynamically selects measurement parameters including bandwidth, time resources, and reference signals based on the detected operational mode, allowing the measurement system to optimize between complexity and accuracy for each specific deployment scenario

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes measurement parameters based on operational mode. Different bandwidth configurations, time resource allocations, and reference signal types are applied depending on whether the cell operates in stand-alone, guard-band, or in-band mode. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by tailoring measurement resources to the specific operational context

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If measurement procedures are performed using reduced UE bandwidth in NB-IoT, then device complexity and power consumption are reduced, but measurement time is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUE bandwidthVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes measurement time dynamic by adapting it to the operational mode. In stand-alone mode with dedicated resources, measurement time can be shorter. In guard-band and in-band modes where resources are shared or more limited, the UE adjusts measurement time accordingly. This dynamic adaptation resolves the time-complexity trade-off

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the UE first determine the operational mode of the target cell before initiating measurements. This preliminary identification allows the UE to pre-configure appropriate measurement parameters including time resources, avoiding wasted measurement attempts with suboptimal parameters and reducing overall measurement time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If adaptive measurement procedures are implemented for different operational modes, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the measurement procedure into distinct paths for different operational modes. Instead of a single complex adaptive algorithm, the UE follows mode-specific measurement procedures: stand-alone mode uses dedicated NB-IoT resources, guard-band mode uses LTE carrier resources, and in-band mode uses shared resources. This segmentation reduces complexity by providing clear, mode-specific guidance rather than requiring complex real-time adaptation logic

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies self-service by having the UE autonomously determine its own operational mode and select appropriate measurement parameters without requiring complex network configuration or external assistance. The UE uses pre-defined rules and measurements of reference signals to self-identify the operational mode and self-configure measurement procedures, reducing the complexity burden on both UE and network

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3403345B1Adapting measurement procedure of NB-iot
Publication Date: 2019.12.04 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3403345B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3403345B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3403345B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method in a node (405A, 410A) is disclosed. The method comprises obtaining (504) information related to an operational mode of a first cell (415B) to be measured by the node. The method comprises selecting (508) a measurement procedure from a plurality of possible measurement procedures based on the obtained information related to the operational mode of the first cell, wherein one or more measurement parameters of the selected measurement procedure are adapted to the operational mode of the first cell. The method comprises performing (512) one or more measurements in the first cell using the selected measurement procedure.