RedCap BLER Target Adjustment for Coverage and Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G RedCap devices face challenges in extending coverage and improving reliability, particularly in difficult-to-reach locations like underground environments, due to their reduced capabilities compared to eMBB devices, with no specific features available to enhance their performance.
Innovation Solution
Lowering the block error rate (BLER) target specifically for RedCap devices within a link adaptation algorithm and introducing new information elements (IEs) for cell access, such as RACH and cell reselection, to improve coverage and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RedCap devices use default BLER target, then network efficiency is maintained, but coverage and reliability are insufficient for challenging environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different BLER targets to different device types (RedCap vs. eMBB) based on their specific capabilities and requirements. RedCap devices receive a lower BLER target (e.g., 1%) compared to the default (e.g., 10%), creating localized quality adjustments that improve their coverage and reliability without affecting other device groups.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the BLER target parameter specifically for RedCap devices from the default value to a adjusted lower value. This parameter change enables the link adaptation algorithm to select more robust modulation and coding schemes for RedCap devices, thereby extending coverage and improving reliability in challenging environments.
2Device complexity
If RedCap devices operate with reduced capabilities, then device complexity and power consumption are reduced, but coverage extension is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By adjusting the BLER target parameter for RedCap devices, the system enables these low-complexity devices to achieve extended coverage. The lower BLER target causes the link adaptation algorithm to select more robust transmission parameters, effectively compensating for the reduced device capabilities and enabling coverage extension of up to 13 dBm.
3Ease of operation
If default BLER target is applied to all devices, then network resource allocation is simplified, but RedCap devices cannot achieve sufficient coverage in difficult-to-reach locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces device-type-specific BLER targets, creating localized quality adjustments for RedCap devices while maintaining default targets for other devices. This differentiated approach improves coverage in challenging conditions for RedCap devices without complicating the overall network resource allocation framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the device population into different groups (RedCap and non-RedCap) with different BLER targets. This segmentation allows tailored resource allocation strategies for each group, improving RedCap coverage while maintaining simplified allocation for other devices that don't require special adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods provided herein include extending coverage for a group of devices. The method includes maintaining a default block error rate (BLER) target and lowering the default BLER target to an adjusted BLER target for a specific device type. The method further includes applying the adjusted BLER target to the specific device type, thereby extending coverage for the specific device type. The method further includes generating and transmitting new information elements to extend coverage and allow access for the specific type.