Network Node System Information Update Signaling for NB-IoT
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Solution Overview
Problem
In narrowband Internet of Things (IoT) and machine type communication networks, UEs are not required to monitor for system information updates in RRC Connected mode, leading to uncertainty about system information changes when transitioning to RRC Idle mode, resulting in unnecessary re-acquisition of system information and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Introducing signaling from the network node to UEs in both connected and idle modes to indicate updates of system information, allowing UEs to determine if system information has changed during the connected session, thereby reducing the need for unnecessary re-acquisition and conserving power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If UEs are not required to monitor for system information updates in RRC Connected mode, then device complexity and power consumption are reduced, but system information reliability and timeliness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a paging message as an intermediary carrier to transmit system information update indications. The paging message acts as a mediator between the network and UE, allowing the network to notify UEs of system information changes without requiring UEs to continuously monitor system information broadcasts, thus resolving the contradiction between reduced power consumption and maintained information reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network sends paging messages to UEs to indicate system information update status. This feedback loop allows the network to inform UEs about system information changes, enabling UEs to determine whether to acquire updated system information, thereby maintaining reliability while avoiding unnecessary continuous monitoring
2Reliability
If UEs re-acquire system information when transitioning to RRC Idle mode, then system information timeliness is improved, but system acquisition time and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the network send system information update indications via paging messages before the UE transitions to idle mode or before system information changes take effect. This allows the UE to be notified in advance of updates, so when the UE needs system information, it already knows whether updates are available, avoiding unnecessary full system information acquisition and reducing acquisition time
Solution Approach 2:
The paging message mechanism provides feedback to the UE about system information update status, enabling the UE to make informed decisions about whether to initiate system information acquisition. This feedback prevents unnecessary re-acquisition when no updates exist, reducing system acquisition time and associated power consumption
3Reliability
If dense repetitions of system information are transmitted, then system information reliability is improved, but system overhead and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of system information update notification from the system information broadcast itself and separates it into a distinct paging message mechanism. By taking out the update indication function from the main system information transmission, the patent allows sparse system information repetitions to maintain reliability for actual data transmission while the paging message handles update notifications efficiently, reducing overall system overhead
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments herein disclose a network node (QQ160) for handling communication in a narrowband internet of things network or a machine type communication network. The network node is configured to transmit an indication to a user equipment, UE, (QQ110) while the UE (QQ110) is in a connected mode or is released from the connected mode, wherein the indication indicates an update of at least a part of a system information, SI, of a service area of the narrowband internet of things network or the machine type communication network.