NB-IoT Uplink Resource Configuration for TBS Accuracy

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current resource configuration methods for Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT) face inefficiencies in uplink transmission and power consumption, particularly in the use of preconfigured uplink resources (PURs) which lack flexible and accurate Transport Block Size (TBS) allocation.

Innovation Solution

The proposed method involves determining when a Preconfigured Uplink Resource (PUR) needs adjustment based on data transmission, reallocating resources based on a first Transport Block Size (TBS), and transmitting reconfiguration information to the terminal device to optimize resource usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If preconfigured uplink resources (PUR) are used for uplink transmission, then UE power consumption is reduced and access procedure is simplified, but resource allocation flexibility and TBS accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUE power consumptionVSAvoidresource allocation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic PUR resource allocation by allowing the network device to adjust PUR configurations based on actual channel conditions and traffic requirements. The network device determines appropriate TBS values and resource allocations dynamically, transitioning from static preconfiguration to adaptive resource management while maintaining the power-saving benefits of PUR.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces feedback mechanisms where the network device monitors uplink transmission performance and channel conditions, then adjusts PUR configurations accordingly. The network device determines whether PUR adjustment is needed based on received data and sends reconfiguration signals to the terminal device, creating a closed-loop system that balances power saving with resource allocation accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If fixed TBS allocation is used in PUR configuration, then configuration complexity is reduced, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration complexityVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables dynamic parameter adjustment of PUR configurations, specifically allowing the network device to modify TBS values based on actual transmission needs. The network device determines appropriate TBS from standardized tables based on resource allocation and channel conditions, optimizing resource utilization without significantly increasing terminal device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If PUR adjustment is implemented dynamically, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but signaling overhead and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs preliminary configuration where the network device pre-determines PUR parameters including TBS values based on standardized tables before actual transmission. This preliminary setup reduces real-time computational complexity while enabling dynamic adaptation when adjustments are needed, balancing efficiency gains with system complexity management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3928578B1Resource configuration for NB-iot
Publication Date: 2025.05.21 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP3928578B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3928578B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3928578B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the resource configuration for Narrow Band Intemet of Thing (NB-loT). A method of resource configuration for NB-IoT comprises determining, at a network device, whether a configured Uplink Resource (PUR) for transmission from a terminal device to the network device is to be adjusted; in response to determining that the PUR is to be adjusted, determining a set of resources to be allocated for further transmission from the terminal device to the network device based on a Transport Block Size (TBS) associated with the further transmission; generating reconfiguration information of the PUR based on the set of the resources; and transmitting the reconfiguration information to the terminal device. In this way, the resource configuration may be determined and adjusted more efficiently and flexibility compared to the conventional way.