Single-Block System Information Broadcast for Extended DRX

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cellular networks face challenges in reducing power consumption of battery-operated devices, particularly for machine-type communication (MTC) due to the need for frequent acquisition of system information, which adversely impacts battery life and mobility procedures, especially with current DRX cycle lengths being insufficient for MTC devices.

Innovation Solution

A single extended DRX information block is introduced to convey all critical system information required for reliable network communication, including System Frame Number, access class barring, and cell barring, scheduled on a fixed interval, reducing the need for multiple block acquisitions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple system information blocks are transmitted separately, then system information completeness is improved, but power consumption increases and DRX cycle extension is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem information completenessVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate system information blocks (MIB, SIB1, SIB14) into a single consolidated system information block. This merging allows the UE to acquire all necessary system information (SFN, access class barring, cell barring) in one reception event, enabling extended DRX cycles and reducing power consumption while maintaining complete system information delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Use of energy by moving object

If DRX cycle length is extended, then power consumption is reduced, but system information acquisition reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsystem information acquisition

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By merging all required system information into a single block, the patent enables UEs to acquire complete system information during one DRX wake-up event. This eliminates the need for multiple acquisitions that would require shorter DRX cycles, thus allowing extended DRX periods while maintaining system information acquisition reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of information

If multiple information blocks are transmitted, then information detail is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation detailVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple detailed system information blocks into a single comprehensive block containing all necessary elements (SFN, access class barring, cell barring). This consolidation reduces device complexity by eliminating the need to process and manage multiple separate blocks while preserving all essential information details.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12520238B2System information broadcast for machine-type communication

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

There is provided a method of operating a network node in a communication network, the method comprising transmitting information required by a mobile device for reliable communications with the communication network to mobile devices in a single information block. Also provided is a method of operating a mobile device in a communication network, the method comprising receiving information required by the mobile device for reliable communications with the communication network in a single information block from the communication network. A network node and mobile device are also provided that are configured to perform the respective methods.