Selective System Information Densification for IoT Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Machine-Type Communications (MTC) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies face challenges in reducing system acquisition time and system overhead, particularly in scenarios with poor coverage, where UEs require multiple repetitions of system information broadcasts, leading to longer acquisition times.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a selectively denser system information broadcast during periods when many UEs are likely to read the information, such as upon SI updates, without increasing overall system overhead, by coordinating eDRX cycles and PSM settings between the MME and eNB, and using standardized or proprietary signaling to adjust the repetition frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If system information is broadcast more densely to reduce acquisition time, then system acquisition time is reduced, but system overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the SI broadcast density adjustable rather than fixed. The network can dynamically switch between normal density and denser broadcast modes based on real-time conditions such as SI updates, coverage enhancements, or UE requirements. This allows the system to optimize between acquisition time and overhead by activating dense broadcast only when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing denser SI broadcast only in specific scenarios (such as after SI updates or for coverage-enhanced UEs) rather than uniformly across all cases. This selective densification ensures that overhead is increased only when and where needed, while maintaining normal overhead levels during regular operation.
2Reliability
If multiple repetitions of system information are transmitted to improve coverage, then coverage enhancement is improved, but system acquisition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by transmitting system information multiple times in advance during coverage-enhanced periods or before UE acquisition attempts. This allows UEs in poor coverage to accumulate repetitions proactively, reducing the time they need to wait during actual acquisition attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing repeated transmissions of system information at regular intervals during coverage-enhanced scenarios. This periodic repetition ensures that UEs in poor coverage can accumulate sufficient copies of SI through systematic repeated exposure, improving reliability without requiring excessive total transmission time.
3Productivity
If system information validity time is extended to reduce re-acquisition, then operational efficiency is improved, but system overhead increases due to more frequent updates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by making the SI validity time configurable rather than fixed. The network can adjust the validity time parameter based on operational conditions, extending it when stability is prioritized and reducing it when updates are necessary. This flexible parameter adjustment allows optimization between operational efficiency and overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, performed by a network node (e.g., an eNB) is provided. The method includes, during a first time period, broadcasting system information (SI) at a first density (e.g., frequency); and determining that a condition is satisfied. The method further includes, as a result of determining that the condition is satisfied, broadcasting the SI at a second density (e.g., frequency) during a subsequent second time period. The second density is greater than the first density.