SIB1-NB Scheduling via TDD Tables for NB-IoT

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Solution Overview

Problem

In NB-IoT TDD systems, there is a challenge in efficiently indicating the scheduling information for SIB1-NB transmissions due to limited bits in the MIB-NB, which restricts flexibility and can lead to signaling overhead and potential collisions, especially when using MBFSN in cell networks.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves using a network node to include a scheduling information parameter in the MIB that associates with a predefined entry in a TDD-specific table to indicate the subframe, number of repetitions, and transport block size for SIB1-NB transmissions, allowing flexibility in scheduling without significantly increasing signaling overhead, and enabling SIB1-NB transmission on both anchor and non-anchor carriers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If scheduling information for SIB1-NB is indicated using limited bits in MIB-NB, then signaling overhead is reduced, but flexibility in configuring transmission resources is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignaling overheadVSAvoidflexibility in configuring transmission resources

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The scheduling information is segmented into two parts: a compact indication in MIB-NB using limited bits, and detailed configuration parameters stored in predefined tables. This segmentation allows the critical scheduling information to be transmitted with minimal overhead while maintaining full configuration flexibility through table lookups.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Predefined tables are prepared in advance containing various scheduling configuration options (subframe indices, repetition numbers, transport block sizes). These tables are established before transmission, allowing the network to efficiently indicate scheduling parameters through simple table index references rather than transmitting complete configuration data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of substance

If SIB1-NB transmission is scheduled with fixed parameters, then signaling overhead is minimized, but collision risk increases in high paging load scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignaling overheadVSAvoidcollision risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The scheduling parameters are made dynamic by allowing the network to select from multiple predefined configurations based on current network conditions, including paging load. The system transitions from static fixed parameters to dynamic selectable parameters, enabling adaptive collision avoidance while maintaining efficient signaling through table-based indication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If more bits are used in MIB-NB to indicate scheduling information, then flexibility in resource configuration is improved, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in resource configurationVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Predefined tables act as intermediaries between the limited-bit indication in MIB-NB and the detailed scheduling configuration. Instead of directly transmitting complete scheduling parameters which would increase overhead, the system uses table indices as intermediaries to represent complex configurations with minimal bits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Device complexity

If SIB1-NB is transmitted only on anchor carrier, then system complexity is reduced, but network efficiency decreases in high paging load scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidnetwork efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The scheduling mechanism is designed to be universal, supporting transmission on both anchor and non-anchor carriers through the same table-based indication method. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different network conditions and carrier configurations without requiring separate mechanisms, thereby improving network efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11696263B2SiB1-NB transmissions for NB TDD communication

Publication Date: 2023.07.04 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for SIB1-NB transmission. In one embodiment, a method performed by a network node configured to include a scheduling information parameter in a master information block, MIB, and communicate the MIB to a wireless device, the scheduling information parameter usable to schedule a system information block type 1 for narrow band communication, SIB1-NB, for a time division duplex, TDD transmission is provided. The method comprising indicating the SIB1-NB scheduling information for TDD at least in part by a value of the scheduling information parameter being associated with a predefined entry in at least one TDD-specific table, the indicated SIB1-NB scheduling information including: at least one subframe to use for the SIB1-NB transmission; a number of repetitions of the SIB1-NB transmission; and a transport block size, TBS, to use for the SIB1-NB transmission.