Timer-Based Uplink Grant Scheduling for NB-IoT Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

In NB-IoT networks, the lack of a physical uplink control channel and inefficient scheduling mechanisms lead to significant wastage of radio resources and battery consumption due to undetected scheduling requests and excessive channel repetitions, particularly in extended coverage scenarios.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a timer-based resource management system that accounts for CRP initiation states and congestion levels, allowing the network entity to prioritize and schedule uplink grants intelligently, and enabling electronic devices to predict congestion-free windows using machine learning for extended waiting periods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If extensive repetition of DL and UL channels is provided for extended coverage, then coverage extension is achieved, but radio resource wastage increases and battery life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage extensionVSAvoidbattery life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The network entity starts a timer upon receiving a non-zero buffer status report from an electronic device. This timer enables the network to predict when the device will need uplink resources and proactively schedules grants before the timer expires, preventing the device from initiating CRP and avoiding unnecessary repetitions that would consume battery energy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the buffer status report as feedback information to trigger timer-based scheduling decisions. The timer acts as a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors the state of uplink scheduling needs and adjusts resource allocation accordingly, allowing the network to optimize between coverage requirements and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If high repetition DL transmission is performed towards extended coverage electronic device, then coverage extension is achieved, but UL grant scheduling is delayed and radio resource wastage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage extensionVSAvoidUL grant scheduling efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The network entity starts a timer upon receiving a non-zero buffer status report. This timer enables the network to predict when the device will need uplink resources and proactively schedules grants before the timer expires, preventing the device from initiating CRP and avoiding unnecessary repetitions that would consume battery energy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts scheduling behavior based on timer status. When the timer is running, the network prioritizes scheduling UL grants for devices with pending buffer status reports, even during high repetition DL transmission periods. This dynamic adjustment prevents resource wastage while maintaining coverage extension capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If DL transmission gap is introduced to allow breaks amid high repetition DL transmission, then UL scheduling opportunity is created, but radio resource wastage increases and battery life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUL scheduling opportunityVSAvoidbattery life

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the scheduling parameter from fixed DL transmission gaps to timer-based dynamic scheduling. Instead of introducing fixed gaps that waste resources, the network uses timer expiration as a trigger to schedule UL grants at optimal moments, reducing both resource wastage and energy consumption while maintaining scheduling opportunities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If CRP is used for scheduling request mechanism, then legacy device compatibility is maintained, but network entity cannot identify initiating device and radio resource wastage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidradio resource wastage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The timer acts as an intermediary mechanism between the buffer status report and the uplink grant scheduling decision. It processes the information from the buffer status report and uses it to trigger appropriate scheduling actions, enabling the network to identify and manage devices that need uplink resources without requiring CRP.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12418919B2Methods and systems for managing radio resources in wireless communication network

Publication Date: 2025.09.16 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

Wireless communication network by a network entity. The method includes receiving a first set of data packets and a buffer status report from an electronic device and triggering a timer upon receiving the buffer status report. Further, the method includes performing at least one of: scheduling an uplink grant to the electronic device, if the timer has not expired, stopping the scheduling of the UL grant upon the timer expiring, and prioritizing the scheduling of an uplink grant to the electronic device on determining that the timer is about to expire.