Update Indication via PDCCH for Unreachable Wireless Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless devices, especially Machine-Type Communication (MTC) and narrowband IoT devices, face high power consumption and radio resource usage due to continuous monitoring of control channels for update indications in multicast or broadcast services, making it challenging to provide update information to devices unreachable via paging or MTC control channels.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating update indication information into an update signal transmitted via the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH), allowing wireless devices to process the information even when they cannot monitor or receive paging or MTC control channels, by using a Downlink Control Information (DCI) message that includes indications unrelated to paging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless devices continuously monitor control channels (PDCCH, paging channel) for update indications in multicast or broadcast services, then they can receive control information and system updates reliably, but power consumption and radio resource usage increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring of control channels instead of continuous monitoring. The network configures specific monitoring periods and occasions for devices to check for update indications, allowing devices to enter low-power states between monitoring intervals while still reliably receiving critical updates when they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where devices can indicate their monitoring capability and status to the network. The network uses this feedback to optimize update indication timing and frequency, balancing reliable information delivery with reduced device power consumption by adapting to actual device needs and capabilities.
2Reliability
If wireless devices continuously monitor control channels for update indications, then they can receive system information modifications and alerts promptly, but radio resource usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential update indication information from continuous control channel monitoring and delivers it through optimized, event-triggered mechanisms. Instead of requiring devices to continuously monitor all control channels, the network extracts and delivers only essential update indications through configured channels and periods, reducing radio resource consumption while maintaining update timeliness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes control channels multi-functional by using them for both traditional control information and consolidated update indications. The PDCCH and other control channels are configured to carry multiple types of information including system information modifications, ETWS alerts, and MCCH updates in a unified manner, reducing the need for separate dedicated monitoring resources.
3Ease of operation
If update indication information is provided only through paging channels or MTC control channels, then channel monitoring can be simplified, but unreachable wireless devices cannot receive update information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes control channels multi-functional by configuring them to serve both traditional control purposes and update indication delivery. The PDCCH and other control channels are utilized to carry update indications for devices that cannot monitor paging or MTC control channels, ensuring comprehensive coverage while maintaining operational simplicity through unified channel usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces alternative control channel pathways as intermediaries for delivering update indications to unreachable devices. When devices cannot access paging or MTC control channels, the network uses other configured control channels (such as PDCCH with specific RNTIs) as intermediary pathways to deliver essential update information, ensuring no device is left without critical information.
Data Source
AI summary
According to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method provides update indication information from a radio network node to one or more wireless devices unreachable via a paging channel or a machine-type communication, MTC, control channel. The method comprises generating (112) an update signal comprising a Downlink Control Information, DCI, message by including the update indication information in the update signal, the update indication information comprising at least one indication unrelated to paging the one or more wireless devices, and transmitting (122) the update signal to the one or more wireless devices via a Physical Downlink Control Channel, PDCCH, when the one or more wireless devices are unreachable via the paging channel or the MTC control channel. Further embodiments of the invention includes e.g. methods of handling update indication information and corresponding radio network nodes and wireless devices.