Dynamic Scheduling for NB-IoT Inactivity Timer Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In NB-IoT and eMTC systems, the existing scheduling methods for SC-PTM channels are inefficient due to repeated and staggered transmission of PDCCH and PDSCH signals, leading to prolonged scheduling times and excessive battery power consumption in UEs, caused by resource limitations and ineffective monitoring of PDCCH channels.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic scheduling method where a UE starts or restarts an inactivity timer at a preset moment, allowing it to detect PDCCH signaling only within a necessary time range after receiving data, thereby reducing unnecessary detection and conserving power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PDCCH and PDSCH signals are repeatedly transmitted multiple times in NB-IoT/eMTC, then the reception reliability of UE under coverage is enhanced, but the scheduling time is prolonged and battery power is excessively consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic scheduling by allowing the UE to flexibly adjust its PDCCH monitoring behavior based on an inactivity timer mechanism. When data is received, the UE continues monitoring for a dynamically determined period rather than continuously or for fixed durations, optimizing the balance between reliability and scheduling time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces periodic monitoring intervals through the inactivity timer, where the UE monitors PDCCH at specific intervals rather than continuously. This periodic action reduces the overall monitoring time while maintaining sufficient reliability for receiving repeated transmissions
2Reliability
If PDCCH and PDSCH signals are repeatedly transmitted multiple times in NB-IoT/eMTC, then the reception reliability of UE under coverage is enhanced, but battery power is excessively consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management by adjusting PDCCH monitoring duration based on actual scheduling activity. The inactivity timer dynamically determines when the UE can stop monitoring, preventing excessive battery consumption while maintaining reliability during active data reception periods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic monitoring with gaps determined by the inactivity timer expiration. This allows the UE to consume battery power only during necessary monitoring intervals rather than continuously, significantly reducing overall power consumption while maintaining reception reliability
3Reliability
If narrowband system configuration is used in NB-IoT/eMTC, then coverage enhancement is achieved, but frequency domain resources are extremely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for limited frequency domain resources by utilizing time domain resources effectively. Through dynamic scheduling and inactivity timer mechanisms, the system achieves efficient resource utilization in the time dimension, allowing multiple users and services to share the limited narrowband frequency resources
4Loss of information
If UE continuously monitors PDCCH channel for long time, then scheduling of next SC-MTCH data can be detected, but battery power is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the inactivity timer to preliminarily determine the monitoring duration before actual scheduling occurs. This preliminary action allows the UE to set appropriate monitoring boundaries in advance, avoiding continuous monitoring and reducing battery power waste while ensuring scheduling information is detected within the necessary time window
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a dynamic scheduling method and apparatus. The method includes: in a process in which a user equipment (UE) receives data of a channel A, the UE triggers to start or restart an inactivity timer a preset length at a preset moment; during running of the inactivity timer, the UE receives a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) signaling sent by a base station, and detects a PDCCH signaling for scheduling a downlink control information (DCI) of the channel A.