Dynamic Downlink Repetition Level Adjustment for LTE-M Spectrum Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

In LTE-M communication networks, the repetition transmission used to improve coverage reduces spectrum efficiency and network capacity, which is undesirable for capacity-limited applications.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for dynamically updating the repetition level of a downlink channel based on the first channel quality determined from uplink transmissions and a second channel quality associated with target performance parameters, thereby adjusting the number of repetition transmissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the number of repetition transmission is increased to improve coverage, then the coverage is improved, but the spectrum efficiency and network capacity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecoverageVSAvoidspectrum efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the repetition level adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The network device dynamically updates the repetition level for the downlink channel based on channel quality feedback from the terminal device, allowing the system to optimize between coverage and spectrum efficiency in real-time according to actual channel conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of repetition level from a static value to a dynamically adjustable parameter. By updating the repetition level based on channel quality indicators and target performance parameters, the system can adapt the number of repetitions to match current channel conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining coverage and preserving spectrum efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the number of repetition transmission is increased to improve coverage, then the coverage is improved, but the network capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecoverageVSAvoidnetwork capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the repetition level adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The network device dynamically updates the repetition level for the downlink channel based on channel quality feedback from the terminal device, allowing the system to optimize between coverage and spectrum efficiency in real-time according to actual channel conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of repetition level from a static value to a dynamically adjustable parameter. By updating the repetition level based on channel quality indicators and target performance parameters, the system can adapt the number of repetitions to match current channel conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining coverage and preserving spectrum efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3704886B1Repetition transmission based on downlink channel quality
Publication Date: 2025.04.16 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY
  • EP3704886B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3704886B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3704886B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods and apparatuses for updating a repetition level of a downlink channel in a communication network. According to some embodiments, the network device determines a channel quality of a downlink channel based at least in part on uplink transmission from the terminal device to the network device. The network device determines a target channel quality of the downlink channel based on at least one parameter associated with a target performance of the downlink channel. The repetition level indicating the number of repetition transmission in the downlink channel is updated based on the first channel quality and the second channel quality. By employing the above method, the repetition level in the downlink channel may be dynamically updated according to the channel quality of the downlink channel and the target channel quality required by the target performance of the downlink channel, thereby achieving better spectrum efficiency and capacity performance in the communication network.