NB-IoT Scheduling Request Resource Allocation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The NarrowBand-Cellular Internet of Things (NB-IoT) system faces high collision rates and congestion issues due to the large number of terminals transmitting data requests through random access processes, which affects the efficiency and reliability of scheduling requests.

Innovation Solution

The method involves determining a transmission resource for a physical signal or channel corresponding to a scheduling request and transmitting it on that resource, rather than using the random access process, thereby reducing collisions and increasing the success rate of scheduling requests.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If random access processes are used for transmitting scheduling requests, then all terminals can request resources, but the collision rate increases and transmission efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescheduling request transmission reliabilityVSAvoidscheduling request transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the scheduling request transmission by dividing terminals into different groups based on their service characteristics (e.g., eMTC terminals with different coverage enhancement levels). Each group is assigned dedicated scheduling request resources, preventing collisions between groups while maintaining random access for terminals without dedicated resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic scheduling request resource allocation where terminals can transition from random access to dedicated resources based on network conditions and service requirements. The system dynamically adjusts the number of terminals that can use random access versus dedicated resources, optimizing both collision reduction and access flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If dedicated scheduling request resources are allocated to reduce collisions, then transmission reliability improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescheduling request transmission reliabilityVSAvoidscheduling request resource management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes dedicated scheduling request resources optional and configurable, allowing the system to adapt to different deployment scenarios. The same resource allocation framework can serve both eMTC and NB-IoT terminals, and dedicated resources can be enabled or disabled based on network conditions, reducing unnecessary complexity while maintaining reliability where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If more terminals use random access for data requests, then resource allocation flexibility is maintained, but collision probability increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation flexibilityVSAvoidscheduling request success rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary allocation of dedicated scheduling request resources during connection setup or reconfiguration, before actual data transmission needs arise. This advance preparation reduces the need for random access during active data sessions, lowering collision probability while maintaining the flexibility to use random access for new connections or unexpected traffic patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3606251B1Information sending method and apparatus, terminal and storage medium
Publication Date: 2023.09.27 ZTE CORP
  • EP3606251B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3606251B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7
  • EP3606251B1 patent drawingFigure 8~9

AI summary

Provided are an information transmission method and apparatus, a terminal and a storage medium. The method includes: determining a transmission resource for a physical signal / a physical channel corresponding to a scheduling request; and transmitting the physical signal / the physical channel on the transmission resource, where the scheduling request is used for requesting resource allocation for data transmission.