On-Demand System Information Request and Retransmission Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless network systems do not effectively handle errors in on-demand system information requests, leading to potential failures in UE functionality due to incomplete system information.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for a terminal device to receive a first portion of system information indicating a second portion available upon request, transmit a first request for the second portion, and retransmit if the second portion is not received successfully, allowing for efficient recovery from minor errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If on-demand delivery of system information is introduced to minimize broadcast amount, then system information broadcast volume is reduced, but error handling capability is insufficient leading to potential UE functionality failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the UE monitors whether the requested system information is successfully received. If the UE determines that the system information was not successfully received (e.g., through lack of confirmation signal or detection of errors), the UE sends a second request to retransmit the system information. This feedback loop ensures reliable acquisition of system information while maintaining the efficiency of on-demand delivery.
2Device complexity
If UE sends single request for system information, then request simplicity is maintained, but inability to recover from transmission errors occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares for potential transmission failures in advance by implementing a retry mechanism. After the initial request is sent and the UE waits for confirmation, if the confirmation is not received or errors are detected, the UE automatically sends a second request without needing complex error analysis or user intervention. This preliminary preparation for error recovery maintains simplicity while improving reliability.
3Reliability
If network broadcasts all system information to ensure completeness, then UE functionality is guaranteed, but network bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments system information into two parts: minimum system information that is periodically broadcast to all UEs, and other system information that is delivered on-demand to individual UEs only when needed. This segmentation allows the network to maintain basic connectivity for all users while reducing overall bandwidth consumption by not broadcasting complete system information to everyone simultaneously. The on-demand mechanism ensures completeness for each UE without the bandwidth penalty of universal broadcasting.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein provide methods and apparatus for requesting system information in a wireless communications network. The method comprises in a user equipment for a wireless network receiving, from a base station of the wireless network, a first portion of system information comprising an indication of a second portion of system information which is available upon request; and transmitting, to the base station, a first request requesting that the second portion of system information be transmitted to the user equipment. The method further comprises responsive to a determination that the requested second portion of system information has not been received successfully by the user equipment, transmitting, to the base station, a second request for the second portion of system information.