MTC System Information Broadcast via Single Extended-DRX Block
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cellular networks face challenges in reducing power consumption of battery-operated devices, particularly for machine-type communication (MTC) due to the need for frequent acquisition of system information, which is typically spread across multiple system information blocks, leading to increased battery drain.
Innovation Solution
Introduce an extended DRX information block that consolidates critical system information required for reliable communication, allowing longer DRX cycles by transmitting this information in a single block on a fixed schedule, reducing the need for devices to read multiple blocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If system information is transmitted across multiple system information blocks, then the information is comprehensive and reliable, but the device must read multiple blocks frequently which increases power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple system information blocks (MIB, SIB1, SIB14) into a single consolidated system information block. This merging allows the device to acquire all necessary system information (SFN, cell barring, access class barring) in one reading operation, eliminating the need to frequently read multiple separate blocks and thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining information completeness
2Use of energy by moving object
If DRX cycle length is extended to reduce power consumption, then battery life is improved, but system information may become outdated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by consolidating all system information into a single block that is updated and broadcast by the network. The device acquires this comprehensive information block before entering extended DRX sleep mode, ensuring it has all necessary system information in advance. This preliminary acquisition eliminates the need for frequent wake-ups to check for updates, allowing longer DRX cycles while maintaining information freshness
3Loss of information
If device reads multiple system information blocks frequently, then system information is kept up-to-date, but receiver activation frequency increases leading to higher power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple system information blocks into a single comprehensive block that contains all necessary information (SFN, cell barring, access class barring). The network updates this consolidated block and broadcasts it periodically. The device reads this single block less frequently, reducing receiver activation times while ensuring it has all updated system information, thereby resolving the contradiction between information freshness and power consumption
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a method of operating a network node (6; 8; 10) in a communication network (2), the method comprising transmitting information required by a mobile device (12) for reliable communications with the communication network to mobile devices (12) in a single information block (103). Also provided is a method of operating a mobile device (12) in a communication network (2), the method comprising receiving information required by the mobile device (12) for reliable communications with the communication network in a single information block from the communication network (117). A network node and mobile device are also provided that are configured to perform the respective methods.