Frequency Resource Allocation for NB-IoT Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current NB-IoT systems face challenges in efficiently determining frequency resources for wireless devices due to limitations in available subframes, half-duplex communication, and high signaling overhead when reconfiguring multiple devices, especially when transitioning between anchor and non-anchor carriers.

Innovation Solution

The system employs flexible configuration methods using dedicated control signaling and common signaling to indicate frequency resources to wireless devices, allowing them to configure themselves based on received parameters, even if the same parameters are transmitted via both channels, thereby reducing signaling overhead and improving resource allocation efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If dedicated control signaling is used to reconfigure multiple wireless devices, then frequency resource allocation accuracy is improved, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency resource allocation accuracyVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the signaling approach by using common signaling for general frequency resource configuration and dedicated control signaling only when specific devices need individualized reconfiguration. This segmentation allows the system to maintain accuracy for devices requiring it while avoiding unnecessary overhead for devices that can use common configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter transmission mode dynamically - frequency resource parameters are transmitted via common signaling by default, and switched to dedicated control signaling only when needed for specific devices. This parameter change approach resolves the contradiction by adapting the signaling method to the specific reconfiguration needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If cross-subframe scheduling is used to reduce UE complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but transmission delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUE complexityVSAvoidtransmission delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic switching between cross-subframe scheduling and same-subframe scheduling based on service requirements. For delay-sensitive services, same-subframe scheduling is used to reduce latency. For non-delay-sensitive services, cross-subframe scheduling is used to maintain low UE complexity. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between complexity and delay.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Area of stationary object

If data repetition is used to improve coverage, then coverage area is improved, but transmission time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidtransmission time
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial repetition strategy where data is repeated only the necessary number of times based on coverage requirements and service type. Instead of always using maximum repetition, the system adjusts the repetition count to the minimum needed, thus improving coverage while minimizing the increase in transmission time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3437236B1Determination of frequency resources for wireless communication devices
Publication Date: 2021.06.30 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3437236B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3437236B1 patent drawingFigure 1B~1C
  • EP3437236B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Systems and methods of determining a frequency resource for a wireless device to operate in a wireless communication system. In one exemplary embodiment, a method performed by a wireless device (305, 405, 500, 600, 700a, b, 1300) in a first wireless communication system (421) for determining a frequency resource on which to operate comprises determining (801) whether a parameter (445b) is received via dedicated control signaling (443) in the first wireless communication system. Further, a value of the parameter indicates one or more frequency resources (425) in which the first wireless communication system operates. In response to determining that the parameter is received via the dedicated control signaling in the first wireless communication system, the method includes configuring (803) the wireless device to operate on a frequency resource (425) whose location is defined based on the parameter received via such dedicated control signaling.