NB-IoT Uplink HARQ Resource Allocation for Power Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LTE and LTE-Advanced technologies face challenges in supporting a large number of IoT devices due to increased power consumption and costs, limited wireless resources, and inefficiencies in data transmission and reception, particularly in handling uplink signals and HARQ ACK/NACK feedback for NB-IoT UEs.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for allocating transmission resources in the time and frequency axis for uplink signals in NB-IoT UEs, including configuring time-axis and frequency-axis wireless resources for HARQ ACK/NACK transmission based on uplink resource allocation information, allowing for efficient data reception and feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If typical LTE or LTE-Advanced technology is applied to IoT devices, then network connectivity and data transmission are achieved, but power consumption increases and device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes key parameters of the LTE/LTE-Advanced technology by introducing NB-IoT with narrowband operation (180 kHz bandwidth instead of standard LTE bandwidth), reduced maximum data rates, and simplified physical layer procedures. These parameter changes enable lower power consumption while maintaining network connectivity for IoT devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the LTE/LTE-Advanced system into a specialized NB-IoT subset with dedicated features for IoT applications. This includes separate resource allocation schemes, simplified HARQ procedures, and optimized uplink/downlink configurations specifically designed for low-power IoT devices
2Reliability
If typical LTE or LTE-Advanced technology is applied to IoT devices, then network connectivity is achieved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by reducing the complexity of device operations through narrowband operation, simplified random access procedures, and optimized HARQ timing. These changes reduce the required processing capability and memory resources, thereby lowering device manufacturing costs while maintaining connectivity
3Reliability
If wireless resources of licensed bands are used, then reliable communication is achieved, but the number of supported IoT devices is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces another dimension for resource allocation by implementing NB-IoT in the frequency domain through narrowband operation within licensed bands. This allows multiple NB-IoT devices to share the same licensed spectrum through frequency-division and time-division multiplexing, significantly increasing the number of supported devices while maintaining communication reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action through scheduled uplink/downlink transmissions and periodic HARQ feedback mechanisms. This structured periodic resource allocation enables efficient sharing of licensed band resources among numerous IoT devices, increasing system capacity while maintaining reliable communication
4Reliability
If data repetitive transmission is used for coverage enhancement, then coverage is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing selective repetitive transmission only when coverage enhancement is required, rather than continuous repetition. The base station can configure the number of repetitions based on channel conditions and device capabilities, achieving coverage enhancement while minimizing unnecessary power consumption
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a method and apparatus for transmitting an uplink signal by a Narrow Band Internet of things (IoT) UE. The method may include receiving, from a base station, uplink resource allocation information for transmitting HARQ ACK/NACK for downlink data, configuring a time-axis wireless resource and a frequency-axis wireless resource of an uplink signal including the HARQ ACK/NACK, based on the uplink resource allocation information, and transmitting the uplink signal through the time-axis wireless resource and frequency-axis wireless resource.