NB-IoT Multicast Search Space Configuration for Efficient Data Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The NarrowBand-Cellular Internet of Things (NB-IoT) system lacks a solution for implementing multicast transmission, which is essential for efficiently distributing the same information, such as firmware or software upgrades, to multiple terminal devices.
Innovation Solution
A multicast transmission method and apparatus that configures a multicast search space for transmitting multicast downlink control information, including multicast control channel data, traffic channel data, and control channel change notification data, allowing for efficient data transmission in the NB-IoT system by defining various types of multicast search spaces and their configuration information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If unicast transmission is used to send the same information to multiple terminal devices, then each device can receive the data individually, but the transmission efficiency is low and network resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transmission process into two distinct phases: a multicast phase for efficient bulk data transmission to multiple devices, and a unicast phase for individual device-specific operations. This segmentation allows the system to leverage multicast efficiency for common data (firmware, software updates) while maintaining unicast capabilities for device-specific interactions, thereby resolving the contradiction between transmission efficiency and resource consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a multi-functional transmission mechanism that can operate in both multicast and unicast modes within the same NB-IoT system. The system universally supports multiple transmission types through a unified framework that dynamically selects the appropriate mode based on the data type and target devices, achieving both high efficiency for group transmissions and individualized service when needed
2Productivity
If multicast transmission is implemented in NB-IoT system, then data distribution efficiency to multiple devices is improved, but the system complexity increases due to lack of existing multicast solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a multicast transmission layer as an intermediary between the existing NB-IoT unicast infrastructure and the terminal devices. This intermediary layer handles multicast-specific functions (search space configuration, resource allocation, scheduling) while leveraging the existing NB-IoT physical layer and device structure, thereby adding multicast capability without fundamentally redesigning the entire system and minimizing the increase in complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary configuration of multicast search spaces, resource allocations, and scheduling parameters before actual multicast transmission begins. By pre-configuring these parameters and establishing the multicast framework in advance, the system avoids complex real-time decision-making during transmission, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining high data distribution efficiency
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of multicast search spaces are configured, then the multicast transmission capability is enhanced and more flexible, but the configuration complexity and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multicast search space configuration into multiple distinct types (first-type, second-type, third-type, fourth-type, fifth-type, sixth-type, seventh-type, eighth-type), each optimized for specific multicast scenarios and data types. This segmentation allows the system to provide versatile multicast capabilities for different applications while keeping each individual search space type relatively simple and purpose-specific, reducing the cognitive complexity of configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where terminal devices can autonomously determine which multicast search space type to use based on pre-defined rules, criteria, and their own capabilities. The system provides clear guidelines and automatic selection logic, reducing the need for complex manual configuration and minimizing signaling overhead by allowing devices to self-configure appropriate multicast parameters
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a multicast transmission method and apparatus, and a computer storage medium. The method includes: transmitting multicast channel data according to a multicast search space. The multicast search space is configured for transmitting multicast downlink control information. The multicast channel data includes at least one of multicast control channel data, multicast traffic channel data and multicast control channel change notification data.