Reduced Capability Device Access in 5G NR Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Newer generation wireless communication networks like 5G NR struggle to efficiently support devices with reduced capability, such as IoT sensors and wearable devices, as they often require resources and operating modes intended for higher capability devices, leading to performance degradation and reduced battery life due to excessive data throughput and processing limitations.
Innovation Solution
Wireless devices with reduced capability can identify themselves to the network, communicate their specific capabilities, and configure data throughput, synchronization signaling, and transmission resources to match their processing capabilities, reducing hardware requirements and power consumption by supporting a subset of modulation schemes and half-duplex operation with adjusted guard periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless devices with reduced capability operate in a 5G NR network targeted at higher capability devices, then device compatibility and network utilization are improved, but performance degradation and reduced battery life occur due to excessive data throughput and processing limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying data throughput parameters, synchronization signaling parameters, and transmission resource parameters to match the reduced capability of IoT devices. The network dynamically adjusts these parameters based on device capability reporting, transforming the network configuration from a fixed high-capability mode to an adaptive mode that matches individual device capabilities, thereby resolving the contradiction between compatibility and performance stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network resources and operating modes into different categories suitable for devices with different capabilities. By dividing the service into separate parameter sets (e.g., different data throughput levels, different synchronization requirements), the system can simultaneously support both high-capability and reduced-capability devices without compromising the performance stability of either group.
2Productivity
If data throughput is increased to meet network demands, then productivity and data transmission efficiency are improved, but processing capability requirements increase causing performance degradation in reduced capability devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making data throughput and transmission parameters adjustable rather than fixed. The network dynamically adapts these parameters based on real-time device capability reporting, allowing the system to optimize productivity for each individual device's processing capability. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by preventing throughput from exceeding what the device can handle while maximizing efficiency within the device's capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes data throughput parameters and transmission resource parameters to match device processing capabilities. By adjusting these parameters dynamically based on capability information exchanged between devices and network, the system maintains high productivity for capable devices while preventing performance degradation in reduced capability devices.
3Productivity
If network resources are allocated for high capability devices, then productivity and throughput are improved, but battery life of reduced capability devices is reduced due to excessive resource consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes to network resource allocation by adjusting data throughput, synchronization signaling, and transmission resources based on device capability reporting. This ensures that reduced capability devices receive appropriate resource levels that match their processing capabilities, preventing battery drain while maintaining necessary productivity for the device's intended function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments network resource allocation into different tiers corresponding to different device capabilities. By dividing resources into categories appropriate for high-capability versus reduced-capability devices, the system maintains high productivity for premium devices while preserving battery life for IoT and wearable devices through proportionate resource allocation.
4Device complexity
If devices use a subset of synchronization and connection resources predefined for reduced capability devices, then device complexity and power consumption are reduced, but network resource utilization efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by having reduced capability devices use only the subset of synchronization and connection resources they need, rather than requiring full resource sets. This partial resource allocation reduces device complexity and power consumption while the network compensates by optimizing the allocation strategy to maintain overall network resource utilization efficiency through capability-based resource distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for a wireless device of reduced capabilities to access a wireless communication network targeted to operate with wireless device having higher capabilities is disclosed. The device may receive from a base station of the wireless communication network an indication of whether the type of devices that includes the wireless device of reduced capabilities is allowed to access the wireless communication network. The device may transmit to the base station signaling associated with connecting to the base station if the base station indicates that the type of devices with reduced capabilities is allowed to access the wireless communication network. The signaling allows the device to connect to the base station. The device may transmit capability information of the device to the base station. The device may configure its features based on the capability information to communicate with the base station.