BR112017001919B1 - WIRELESS ACCESS NODE AND WIRELESS DEVICE CONFIGURED TO IMPROVE BANDWIDTH UTILIZATION EFFICIENCY AND RELATED METHODS - Google Patents

Abstract

MAXIMIZATION OF CHANNEL CAPACITY FOR COMMON DOWNLINK CHANNELS. The present invention relates to a wireless access node and method which are described herein for improving the bandwidth utilization efficiency of a common downlink (DL) channel when transmitting device-related information included in one or more more messages to a wireless device or group of wireless devices, where the one or more messages have one or more transport block formats that meet a coverage class need of the wireless device or group of wireless devices . Furthermore, a wireless device and method are described herein for improving a bandwidth utilization efficiency of the common DL channel by receiving one or more messages including device-related information on the common DL channel from the wireless access node, wherein the one or more messages have one or more transport block formats that meet a wireless device coverage class need.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to Indian Patent Application No. 2161/DEL/2014, filed July 31, 2014, and US Provisional Application No. 62/050,517, filed September 15, 2014.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to common downlink channels in wireless communication networks and, more particularly, to techniques for increasing or maximizing the channel capacity of a common downlink channel using different transport block formats in the common downlink channel to satisfy the coverage class needs of a specific wireless device or group of wireless devices.

BASICS OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The following abbreviations and terms are defined herein, at least some of which are referred to within the following description of the present invention. 3GPP Third Generation Partnership Project AGCH Access Grant Channel ASIC Application Specific Integrated Circuit BCCH Diffusion Control Channel BLER Block Error Rate BS Base Station CC Coverage Class CCCH Common Control Channel CN Core Network CRC Verification Cyclic Redundancy CS Coding Scheme DL Downlink DRX Discontinuous Reception DSP Digital Signal Processor DSP Digital Signal Processor EDGE Enhanced Data Rates for Evolution GSM EGPRS Enhanced General Packet Radio Service ENB Evolved Node B ETWS Earthquake and Tsunami Warning System E -UTRA Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access GSM Global System for Mobile Communications GERAN Radio Access Network GSM/EDGE GMSK Gaussian Minimum Shift Switching GPRS General Packet Radio Service HARQ Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request LTE Long Term Evolution MTC Communications Type MS Machine Mobile Station PCH Paging Channel PDN Packet Data Network PG Paging Group P-TMSI Packet Temporary Mobile Station Identity PTCCH/D Packet Synchronization Control Channel/Downlink RAN Radio Access Node RACH Access Channel Random RLC Radio Link Control TA Time Advance TDMA Time Division Multiple Access TMSI Temporary Mobile Station Identity EU User Equipment UL Uplink UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunications System WCDMA Broadband Code Division Multiple Access WiMAX Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access

[0004] In existing wireless communications networks, communication between wireless devices and wireless access nodes on the network is typically handled by the use of different logical channels. Each logical channel has its own purpose(s) and is typically mapped to a physical channel following a certain structure in time and frequency.

[0005] A type of downlink logical channel (DL) is one that is monitored by a plurality of wireless devices and is also used to address a plurality (i.e., not necessarily all wireless devices monitoring the channel, but at least a subset) of wireless devices with a message sent by the wireless access node using a single radio block transmitted on the channel. This type of logical channel is here called a “common DL channel” and could include, for example, in the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), the Common Control Channel (CCCH).

[0006] In existing wireless communication networks, the wireless access node typically uses the same transport block format (e.g., channel coding rate and error detection capability) to transmit a message on a DL channel common regardless of the type of wireless device or channel conditions applicable to any given wireless device. In particular, the wireless access node uses the same transport block format for each of the radio blocks used to send a message on the common DL channel, where the transport block format has a generic format that can be received by all wireless devices that are addressed by the message.

[0007] For example, a possible system implementation of the transport block format would be to have the wireless access node choose a sufficiently robust channel coding rate to ensure that all addressed wireless devices can correctly receive the corresponding transmitted radio block (message) with a certain minimum level of probability (i.e., regardless of the radio channel conditions experienced by any of the addressed wireless devices). In particular, to realize a sufficiently high probability of radio block (message) receipt by all addressed wireless devices, the wireless access node may utilize a robust transmission block coding rate in combination with repeated transmissions of that block. transport radio (message).

[0008] However, configuring the transport block format wireless access node according to the worst-case scenario regarding channel conditions (for example) would typically result in a waste of radio resources. This waste of radio resources could, for example, occur when the wireless access node makes repeated transmissions (i.e., multiple repetitions) of a message on a common DL channel according to the number of repetitions that is required by the wireless device. wire with the worst-case channel conditions that is addressed by the message while many or all other wireless devices addressed by the same message may, for example, only need a single transmission. This waste of radio resources and other disadvantages are addressed in the present description.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A wireless access node, a wireless device and various methods for addressing at least the aforementioned disadvantage and other disadvantages are described in the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the wireless access node, the wireless device and the various methods are further described in the dependent claims.

[0010] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a wireless access node configured to improve bandwidth utilization efficiency on a common downlink (DL) channel when transmitting device-related information to a wireless device or a group of wireless devices. The wireless access node comprises a processor and a memory that stores processor-executable instructions, wherein the processor interfaces with the memory to execute the processor-executable instructions, wherein the wireless access node is operable to perform a determine operation . In the determine operation, the wireless access node determines one or more transport block formats to be used to transmit device-related information on the common DL channel for the wireless device or group of wireless devices. , where the one or more transport block formats meet a coverage class need of the wireless device or group of wireless devices. The wireless access node, by determining one or more transport block formats to be used in this manner, has the advantage of helping to maximize the utilization of radio resources when transmitting device-related information on the downlink channel ( DL) common for the wireless device or group of wireless devices.

[0011] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method in a wireless access node for improving bandwidth utilization efficiency on a common downlink (DL) channel when transmitting device-related information to a wireless device. wired or to a group of wireless devices. The method comprises a determination step. In the determination step, the wireless access node determines one or more transport block formats to be used to transmit device-related information on the common DL channel for the wireless device or group of wireless devices, where The one or more transport block formats meet a coverage class need of the wireless device or group of wireless devices. The method has an advantage in that it helps to maximize the utilization of radio resources when transmitting device-related information on the common downlink (DL) channel for the wireless device or group of wireless devices.

[0012] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a wireless device configured to improve bandwidth utilization efficiency on a common downlink (DL) channel when receiving device-related information from an access node. wireless. The wireless device comprises a processor and a memory that stores processor-executable instructions, wherein the processor interfaces with the memory to execute the processor-executable instructions, wherein the wireless device is operable to perform a receive operation. In the receive operation, the wireless device receives one or more messages including device-related information on the common DL channel from the wireless access node, where the one or more messages have one or more transport block formats that satisfy a wireless device coverage class need. The wireless device, adopting one or more transport block formats in this manner, has the advantage of helping to maximize the utilization of radio resources when receiving device-related information on the common downlink (DL) channel from the wireless node. wireless access.

[0013] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method in a wireless device for improving bandwidth utilization efficiency on a common downlink (DL) channel when receiving device-related information from a node. wireless access. The method comprises a receiving step. In the receive step, the wireless device receives one or more messages including device-related information on the common DL channel from the wireless access node, where the one or more messages have one or more transport block formats that satisfy a wireless device coverage class need. The method has an advantage in that it helps to maximize the utilization of radio resources when receiving device-related information on the common downlink (DL) channel from the wireless access node.

[0014] Additional aspects of the invention will be set forth, in part, in the detailed description, figures and any claims that follow, and in part will be derived from the detailed description, or can be learned by practicing the invention. It is understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] A more complete understanding of the present invention can be obtained with respect to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the attached drawings:

[0016] Figure 1 is a diagram of an exemplary wireless communication network in accordance with an embodiment of the present description.

[0017] Figure 2 is a flowchart of a method implemented in a wireless access node to improve bandwidth utilization efficiency on a common DL channel when transmitting device-related information to a wireless device or a group of wireless devices according to an embodiment of the present description.

[0018] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating structures of an exemplary wireless access node configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present description.

[0019] Figure 4 is a flowchart of a method implemented in a wireless device for improving bandwidth utilization efficiency on a common DL channel when receiving device-related information from a wireless access node in accordance with an embodiment of the present description.

[0020] Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating structures of an exemplary wireless device configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present description.

[0021] Figure 6 is a graph illustrating simulation results of the performance of a four-burst radio block carrying 184 bits of information compared to a one-burst radio block carrying different amounts of information bits.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] To describe the technical features of the present disclosure, a discussion is provided first to describe an exemplary wireless communication network that includes multiple wireless access nodes and multiple wireless devices, each of which is configured accordingly with the present description (illustrated in Figure 1). Next, a discussion is provided to explain in more detail how the wireless access node and wireless device implement the technical features of the present disclosure (illustrated in Figures 2-5). Finally, a discussion is provided to explain the technical features of the present disclosure when applied to a GSM wireless communication network (illustrated in Figure 6).

Exemplary Wireless Communication Network 100

[0023] Referring to Figure 1, an exemplary wireless communication network 100 in accordance with the present description is illustrated. The wireless communication network 100 includes multiple wireless access nodes 1021 and 1022 (only two illustrated), multiple wireless devices 1041, 1042, 1043, 1044 ... 104n, and a core network 106 (e.g., the network EGPRS 106 core). The wireless communication network 100 includes many other well-known components, but for clarity, only those components necessary to describe the technical features of the present disclosure are described here. Furthermore, the wireless communication network 100 is described herein as a GSM/EGPRS wireless communication network 100, which is also known as an EDGE wireless communication network 100. However, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the techniques of the present disclosure, which are applied to the GSM/EGPRS wireless communication network 100, are generally applicable to other types of wireless communication systems, including, for example, WCDMA, LTE and WiMAX systems.

[0024] Wireless communication network 100 includes wireless access nodes 1021 and 1022 (only two shown) that provide network access to wireless devices 1041, 1042, 1043, 1044... 104n. In this example, wireless access node 1021 is providing network access to wireless device 1041 while wireless access node 1022 is providing network access to wireless devices 1042, 1043, 1044...104n. The wireless access nodes 1021 and 1022 are connected to the core network 106 (e.g., the EGPRS core network 106). The core network 106 is connected to an external packet data network (PDN) 108, such as the Internet, and a server 110 (only one shown). The wireless devices 1041, 1042, 1043, 1044... 104n may communicate with one or more servers 110 (only one shown) connected to the core network 106 or the PDN 108.

[0025] Wireless devices 1041, 1042, 1043, 1044 ... 104n may generally refer to an end (user) terminal that couples to the wireless communication network 100, and may refer to a MTC device or a non-MTC device. Additionally, the term “wireless device” is generally intended to be synonymous with the term “User Equipment”, or UE, as that term is used by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), and includes wireless devices. stand-alone terminals, cell phones, smartphones, tablets, and wireless personal digital assistants, as well as wireless cards or modules designed for docking or insertion into another electronic device, such as a personal computer, electric meter, etc.

[0026] Likewise, wireless access nodes 1021 and 1022 may generally refer to a base station or central node in the wireless communication network 100, and may refer to wireless access nodes 1021 and 1022 that are controlled by a physically distinct radio network controller as well as more autonomous access points, such as so-called Evolved B Nodes (eNBs or eNodeBs) in Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks. Therefore, the term “wireless access node” may also refer to Radio Network Controllers (RNCs) and B Nodes (NBs) in 3G, or Base Station Controllers (BSCs) or Send-Receive Base Stations (BTSs) in 2G.

[0027] Each wireless device 1041, 1042, 1043, 1044... 104n may include a transceiver circuit 1101, 1102, 1103, 1104... 110n for communicating with wireless access nodes 1021 and 1022, and a processing circuit 1121, 1122, 1123, 1124... 112n For processing signals transmitted and received by the transceiver circuit 1101, 1102, 1103, 1104... 110n and for controlling the operation of the corresponding wireless device 1041, 1042, 1043, 1044 ... 104n. The transceiver circuit 1101, 1102, 1103, 1104... 110n may include a transmitter 1141, 1142, 1143, 1144... 114n and a receiver 1161, 1162, 1163, 1164... 116n, which may operate in accordance with any standard, for example, the GSM/EDGE standard. The processing circuit 1121, 1122, 1123, 1124... 112n may include a processor 1181, 1182, 1183, 1184... 118n and a memory 1201, 1202, 1203, 1204... 120n for storing program code for control the operation of the corresponding wireless device 1041, 1042, 1043, 1044 ... 104n. The program code may include code for performing procedures (e.g., identifying a transport block format from multiple transport block formats included in a common downlink channel; determining values for properties of a transport block format; receive information common to multiple wireless devices; receive device-specific information; and identify, from a transport block format, information that allows unique identification of common information corresponding to device-specific information) as described below.

[0028] Each wireless access node 1021 and 1022 may include a transceiver circuit 1221 and 1222 for communicating with wireless devices 1041, 1042, 1043, 1044 ... 104n, a processing circuit 1241 and 1242 for processing signals transmitted and received by the transceiver circuit 1221 and 1222 and to control the operation of the corresponding wireless access node 1021 and 1022 and a network interface 1261 and 1262 to communicate with the core network 106 (e.g., through network nodes 1261 and 1262) core network, such as GPRS Service Support Nodes (SGSNs) in GPRS or Mobility Management Entities (MMEs) in LTE). The transceiver circuit 1221 and 1222 may include a transmitter 1281 and 1282 and a receiver 1301 and 1302, which may operate in accordance with any standard, for example, the GSM/EDGE standard. The processing circuit 1241 and 1242 may include a processor 1321 and 1322 and a memory 1341 and 1342 for storing program code for controlling the operation of the corresponding wireless access node 1021 and 1022. The program code may include code for executing the procedures (e.g., determining a coverage class for one or more wireless devices; determining respective values for properties of different transport block formats; determining different transport block formats to include in a common downlink channel; formatting a channel common downlink to include different transport block formats; identify/extract/send information common to multiple wireless devices; identify/extract/send wireless device specific information; add or format transport block formats to include information that allows that each of multiple wireless devices uniquely identifies which common information corresponds to its device-specific information; and determining a number of repetitions for transmitting information to a particular wireless device or group of wireless devices) as described below.

Technical Characteristics of this Description

[0029] In the present disclosure, a scenario of interest is where N wireless devices 1042, 1043, 1044 (e.g.) are performing procedures during which they are attempting to read information (e.g., messages) in the DL from a common DL channel within the same time interval. It is proposed here that the wireless access node 1022 (e.g.) determines and uses/adopts different transport block formats on a common DL control channel to satisfy the coverage class need of each specific user (e.g., device wireless devices 1042) or a group of users (e.g., wireless devices 1043 and 1044 with the same coverage class) attempting to read messages on the common DL control channel using the determined different transport block formats, thereby improving the efficiency of bandwidth utilization on the common DL control channel when compared to the case where the wireless access node simply assumes that wireless devices are in the worst coverage class when using/adopting transport block formats.

[0030] The term “transport block format” as used herein refers to the way in which device-related information (e.g. messages) on the common DL channel is transmitted including, but not limited to: • the number of payload bits (i.e. bits of message information) per transport block; • type of modulation of the transport block; • transport block encoding rate, which affects the number of payload bits per transport block; • time duration of the transport block (i.e., time interval elapsed by the transmitted block); and • if repetitions are used to obtain a lower transport block encoding rate (that is, allowing more bits of payload per transport block), the number of transport block repetitions of a predefined format.

[0031] The term “coverage class”, as used herein, may be defined as follows: The coverage class of any given wireless device is essentially a measure of its current radio environment such that a wireless device in the worst class of coverage supported by the network will need to make use of the more robust transport block format to help ensure that the wireless device remains operational. Conversely, wireless devices in the best coverage class will remain operational when the less robust transport block format is used. Additional transport block formats may be used for wireless devices that experience radio conditions worse than those of wireless devices in the best coverage class. At any given time, a wireless device belongs to a specific coverage class that determines the total number of blind transmissions to be used when receiving radio blocks. A coverage class applicable at any point in time may differ between different logical channels. When initiating a system access, a wireless access node determines the applicable RACH/AGCH coverage class based on an estimate of the number of blind repetitions of a radio block required for the wireless device receiver to experience a BLER (BLER rate). block error) of approximately 10%. The wireless access node determines the coverage class to be used by a wireless device on its assigned packet channel resources based on estimating the number of blind repetitions of a radio block required to satisfy a target BLER and considering the number of HARQ retransmissions (of a radio block) that, on average, result from the use of this target BLER.

[0032] Furthermore, according to an alternative technical feature of the present description, if a message normally sent on the common DL channel includes information common to a plurality of wireless devices 1043 and 1044 (for example) monitoring that channel and addressed by that same message, it is proposed that the following alternative approach may be used by the wireless access node 1022 (for example) to deliver the message content to the group of wireless devices 1043 and 1044 (for example): • extract the common information 213 that is applicable to the group of wireless devices 1043 and 1044 (for example) from the device-related information 209 and transmitting the common information 213 included in a message 215 using a transport block format that all wireless devices 1043 and 1044 addressed (for example) can decode; • extract device-specific information 217a and 217b from device-related information 209 and transmit device-specific information 217a and 217b included in messages 219a and 219b, respectively, using a transport block format applicable to the respective wireless device 1043 or 1044 (for example) alone; and • include information 221 in each transport block (message 219a and 219b) including device-specific information 217a and 217b and in the transport block(s) (messages 215) including common information 213 that allows each device wireless 1043 and 1044 (for example) uniquely identify the transport block(s) (message(s) 215) including the common information 213 that corresponds to the transport block (message 219a and 219b) including its information device specific.

[0033] Using this alternative technical feature of sending information to N wireless devices 1043 and 1044 (for example) on a common DL channel allows the use of fewer radio resources compared to what would be required without such separation of information related to the device.

[0034] The following are some advantages associated with the use of the first technical feature (one embodiment) and the alternative technical feature (alternative embodiment) of the present description: • Efficient use of the common DL channel in the wireless communication network 100. • Increased number of wireless devices addressable by the same common DL channel per unit of time. • Ensure BLER (Block Error Rate) performance similar to that of a Radio Block encoded with legacy CS-1 coding scheme for information received using the new transport block formats. • Improved wireless device power saving when receiving information addressed to the wireless device on the common DL channel.

[0035] The technical features of the present description help to exploit these advantages in several ways, as described in the following examples: (A) Optimal utilization of resources: as each occurrence of information transmission consumes some available radio resources (e.g. , time range and frequency), transmitting the necessary information using more radio resources than necessary is a waste of these scarce radio resources. As such, transmission of the required information using transport blocks (messages) appropriate to the device per the present description is a preferred form of information transmission. This can be accomplished, for example, by introducing transport blocks (messages) that have a reduced number of bits of information (i.e., payload) per burst compared to the legacy operation, where for the legacy operation, The number of bits of information per burst is determined based on the assumption that multiple occurrences of such bursts will be repeated and potentially include information addressing multiple devices. If transport blocks (messages) are instead carried out using a single burst (which may be sufficient for cases where a small volume of payload information has to be sent to a given wireless device) with the information contained therein only addresses a single wireless device, then better capacity enhancement and use of common DL control channel resources becomes possible. This will be especially true for systems where transport (message) block repetitions range from a single repetition for wireless devices in the best coverage class to X repetitions (e.g., 16) for wireless devices in the worst coverage class. (B) Wireless Device Power Savings: The described techniques provide a clear wireless device power saving advantage. To receive a transport block in GSM, which is referred to as a radio block and transmitted during four bursts (spread across four Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) frames, each consisting of eight time slots), a device wireless will typically consume: Vcc * Iavg * T = (3.3 V) * (50 000 μA) * (4 * 577 μs) + (3.3 V) * (1000 μA) * (28 * 577 μs) = 434.13 μJ. Whereas, to receive a transport block that is transmitted via a single burst, a wireless device will typically consume: Vcc * Iavg * T = (3.3 V) * (50,000 μA) * (1 * 577 μs) = 95.2 μJ. Thus, the energy saving ratio per transport block will be approximately 4:1.

[0036] The term “radio block” is used here and can be defined as follows: a message is sent using one or more radio blocks where each radio block can be transmitted using multiple repetitions at the physical layer (e.g., a legacy RLC data block is a radio block sent using four bursts). One or more radio blocks are used to send a message where each radio block in the set uses the same transport block format (e.g., the same modulation scheme, the same channel coding scheme, and the same number of repetitions). per radio block). Radio resources are shared, but are typically used to send a message to one wireless device at a time, including unique information in each radio block header to indicate the intended wireless device. However, the concept of a group message also exists when the information in each radio block header indicates the group of wireless devices for which the message is intended. The case where multiple messages (each message sent using a set of one or more radio blocks) are addressed to different wireless devices using the group message concept is possible but not very typical, i.e. the most common concept. Typical involves sending a single message to a single wireless device or group of wireless devices using a corresponding set of radio blocks.

[0037] Referring to Figure 2, there is a flowchart of a method 200 implemented in a wireless access node 1022 (for example) to improve bandwidth utilization efficiency on a common DL channel when transmitting information related to the device for a wireless device 1042 (for example) or a group of wireless devices 1043 and 1044 (for example) in accordance with an embodiment of the present description. In step 202, the wireless access node 1022 determines one or more transport block formats to be used to transmit device-related information on the common DL channel to the wireless device 1042 or to the group of wireless devices 1043 and 1044, where the one or more transport block formats satisfy a coverage class need of the wireless device 1042 or the group of wireless devices 1043 and 1044 (e.g., wireless devices 1043 and 1044 have the same coverage class). roof).

[0038] In one embodiment, the wireless access node 1022 has information related to the device 205 for the wireless device 1042. In this case, the wireless access node 1022 in step 204 transmits a message 207 including the information related to the device 205 to the wireless device 1042 using one of one or more specifically determined transport block formats based, at least in part, on the coverage class requirement of the wireless device 1042 (illustrated in Figure 1). As an example, if the wireless device 1042 has a coverage class of “1”, then the wireless access node 1022 would determine a transport block format to be used specifically for the wireless device 1042 that has a specific number of payload bits, modulation type, coding rate, time duration, etc. and no repeats based, at least in part, on coverage class “1” (e.g., coverage class “1” corresponds to an initial broadcast and no repeats). The wireless access node 1022 then transmits the message 207 including information related to the device 205 to the wireless device 1042 using the determined transport block format (illustrated in Figure 1).

[0039] In the same embodiment, the wireless access node 1022 has device-related information 209 for the group of wireless devices 1043 and 1044. In this case, the wireless access node 1022 in step 204 transmits a message 211 including device-related information 209 to the group of wireless devices 1043 and 1044 using one of one or more specifically determined transport block formats based, at least in part, on the coverage class need of the group of devices wireless 1043 and 1044 (illustrated in Figure 1). As an example, if the group of wireless devices 1043 and 1044 have a coverage class of “2”, then the wireless access node 1022 would determine a transport block format to be used specifically for the group of wireless devices. 1043 and 1044 that have a specific number of payload bits, modulation type, coding rate, time duration, etc. and a repeat based, at least in part, on coverage class “2” (for example, coverage class “2” corresponds to an initial transmission and a repeat). The wireless access node 1022 then transmits the message 211 including information related to the device 209 to the group of wireless devices 1043 and 1044 using the determined transport block format (illustrated in Figure 1).

[0040] In an alternative embodiment, the wireless access node 1022 has device-related information 209 for the group of wireless devices 1043 and 1044, and the wireless access node 1022 instead of performing step 204, could perform steps 206, 208, 210, 212 and 214. More specifically, in this alternative embodiment, the wireless access node 1022 in step 202 determines a plurality of transport block formats to be used to transmit device-related information. 209 on the common DL channel for the group of wireless devices 1043 and 1044. The wireless access node 1022 in step 206 would identify the common information 213 included in the device-related information 209 applicable to the group of wireless devices 1043 and 1044, and would transmit in step 208 a message 215 including common information 213 to the group of wireless devices 1043 and 1044 using one of the plurality of transport block formats that is decodable by the group of wireless devices 1043 and 1044 (illustrated in Figure 1 ). Furthermore, the wireless access node 1022 would identify in step 210 the device-specific information 217a and 217b included in the device-related information 209 applicable to each individual wireless device 1043 and 1044 in the group of wireless devices 1043 and 1044 and would in step 212 transmit individual messages 219a and 219b including device-specific information 217a and 217b to respective individual wireless devices 1043 and 1044 that utilize more than one of the plurality of transport block formats that are applicable to the respective wireless devices. individual numbers 1043 and 1044 (illustrated in Figure 1). It should be noted that the transport block format used to transmit the message 215 that includes the common information 213 to the group of wireless devices 1043 and 1044 may be the same or different from at least one of the transport block formats used to transmit individual messages 219a and 219b including device-specific information 217a and 217b to respective individual wireless devices 1043 and 1044. If desired, the wireless access node 1022 in step 214 may add information 221 to message 215 including the common information 213 and in each of the individual messages 219a and 219b including device-specific information 217a and 217b that allows each of the individual wireless devices 1043 and 1044 to uniquely identify the message 215 including the common information 213 that corresponds to the their respective individual message 219a and 219b including device specific information 217a and 217b.

[0041] As an example, if the wireless devices 1043 and 1044 each have a coverage class of “2”, then the wireless access node 1022 would determine a transport block format to be used specifically for the wireless devices. wire 1043 and 1044 that have a specific number of payload bits for common information 213, modulation type, coding rate, time duration, etc. and a repeat based at least in part on coverage class “2” (e.g., coverage class “2” corresponds to an initial transmission and a repeat). Additionally, the wireless access node 1022 would determine a transport block format to be used specifically for the wireless device 1043 that has a specific number of payload bits for device-specific information 217a, modulation type, rate encoding, time duration, etc. and a repeat based, at least in part, on coverage class “2”. Additionally, the wireless access node 1022 would determine a transport block format to be used specifically for the wireless device 1044 that has a specific number of payload bits for device-specific information 217b, modulation type, rate encoding, time duration, etc. and a repeat based, at least in part, on coverage class “2”. The wireless access node 1022 then transmits the message 215 including the common information 213 (possibly including the added information 221) to the wireless devices 1043 and 1044 using the specially determined transport block format (illustrated in Figure 1). Furthermore, the wireless access node 1022 would transmit the message 219a including the device-specific information 217a (possibly including the added information 221) to the wireless device 1043 using the specially determined transport block format (illustrated in Figure 1). . It should be noted that the transport block formats used to transmit messages 215 and 219a may be the same or different. Finally, the wireless access node 1022 would transmit the message 219b including the device-specific information 217b (possibly including the added information 221) to the wireless device 1044 using the specially determined transport block format (illustrated in Figure 1). It should be noted that the transport block formats used to transmit messages 215 and 219b may be the same or different.

[0042] Referring to Figure 3, there is a block diagram illustrating structures of an exemplary wireless access node 1022 (for example) for improving bandwidth utilization efficiency on a common DL channel when transmitting information related to the device for a wireless device 1042 (for example) or a group of wireless devices 1043 and 1044 (for example) in accordance with an embodiment of the present description. The wireless access node 1022 may comprise a determination module 302, a first transmission module 304, a first identification module 306, a second transmission module 308, a second identification module 310, a third transmission module 312, and an addition module 314. The determination module 302 is configured to determine one or more transport block formats to be used to transmit device-related information on the common DL channel to the wireless device 1042 or to the group of wireless devices 1043 and 1044, wherein the one or more transport block formats satisfy a coverage class need of the wireless device 1042 or the group of wireless devices 1043 and 1044. In one embodiment, if the wireless access node 1043 and 1044. wire 1022 has information related to the device 205 to the wireless device 1042, then the first transmission module 304 is configured to transmit a message 207 including the information related to the device 205 to the wireless device 1042 using one or more specifically determined transport block formats based, at least in part, on the coverage class requirement of the wireless device 1042 (illustrated in Figure 1). In the same embodiment, if the wireless access node 1022 has information related to the device 209 for the group of wireless devices 1043 and 1044 (e.g., having the same coverage class), then the first transmission module 304 is configured to transmit a message 211 including device-related information 209 to the group of wireless devices 1043 and 1044 using one of one or more specifically determined transport block formats based, at least in part, on the coverage class requirement of the group of wireless devices 1043 and 1044 (illustrated in Figure 1).

[0043] The determination module 302 may determine a plurality of transport block formats to be used to transmit device-related information 209 on the common DL channel for the group of wireless devices 1043 and 1044. In an alternative embodiment, If the wireless access node 1022 has device-related information 209 for the group of wireless devices 1043 and 1044, then the first identification module 306 is configured to identify the common information 213 included in the device-related information 209 to the group of wireless devices 1043 and 1044, and the second transmission module 308 is configured to transmit a message 215 including common information 213 to the group of wireless devices 1043 and 1044 using one of the plurality of transport block formats. which is decodable by the group of wireless devices 1043 and 1044 (illustrated in Figure 1). Furthermore, the second identification module 310 is configured to identify device-specific information 217a and 217b included in the device-related information 209 applicable to each individual wireless device 1043 and 1044 in the group of wireless devices 1043 and 1044 , and the third transmission module 312 is configured to transmit individual messages 219a and 219b including device-specific information 217a and 217b to respective individual wireless devices 1043 and 1044 that utilize more than one of the plurality of transport block formats that are applicable to respective individual wireless devices 1043 and 1044 (illustrated in Figure 1). It should be noted that the transport block format used to transmit the message 215 including the common information 213 to the group of wireless devices 1043 and 1044 may be the same or different from the transport block formats used to transmit the individual messages 219a. and 219b including device-specific information 217a and 217b for respective individual wireless devices 1043 and 1044. Addition module 314 is configured to add information 221 in message 215 including common information 213 and in each of the individual messages 219a and 219b including device-specific information 217a and 217b that allows each of the individual wireless devices 1043 and 1044 to uniquely identify message 215 including common information 213 that corresponds to its respective individual message 219a and 219b including device-specific information. device 217a and 217b.

[0044] As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the above-described modules 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312 and 314 of the wireless access node 1022 can be separately implemented as suitable dedicated circuits. Furthermore, modules 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312 and 314 can also be implemented using any number of dedicated circuits through functional combination or separation. In some embodiments, modules 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312, and 314 may further be combined into a single application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). As an alternative software-based implementation, the wireless access node 1022 may comprise a memory 1342, a processor 1322 (including but not limited to a microprocessor, a microcontroller, or a digital signal processor (DSP), etc.), and a transmitter 1282. Memory 1342 stores machine-readable program code executable by processor 1322 that causes wireless access node 1022 to perform the steps of the above-described method 200. It should be noted that wireless access nodes 1021 and 1022 and other wireless access nodes may be configured to implement the method described above 200.

[0045] Referring to Figure 4, there is a flowchart of a method 400 implemented in a wireless device 1042, 1043 or 1044 (for example) for improving bandwidth utilization efficiency on a common DL channel when receiving related information with the device from a wireless access node 1022 (for example) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In step 402, the wireless device 1042, 1043 or 1044 receives one or more messages 207, 211, 215, 219a and 219b including device-related information on the common DL channel from the wireless access node 1022, where the one or more messages 207, 211, 215, 219a and 219b have one or more transport block formats that satisfy a coverage class need of the wireless device 1042, 1043 or 1044. In one embodiment, the wireless device 1042 receives in step 402a the information related to the device 205 included in the message 207 having a transport block format based at least in part on the coverage class of the wireless device 1042. In the same embodiment, the wireless device 1043 receives in step 402a the device-related information 209 included in message 211 having a transport block format based, at least in part, on the coverage class of the wireless device 1043.

[0046] In step 402, the wireless device 1042, 1043 or 1044 may receive a plurality of messages including device-related information, where the plurality of messages have a plurality of transport block formats. In an alternative embodiment, the wireless device 1043 receives in step 402b the common information 213 included in the message 215 having one of the plurality of transport block formats based, at least in part, on the coverage class of the wireless device 1043. In addition, the wireless device 1043 receives in step 402c the device-specific information 217a included in message 219a having one of a plurality of transport block formats based, at least in part, on the coverage class of the wireless device 1043. It must Note that the transport block formats used for messages 215 and 219a may be the same or different. Furthermore, the wireless device 1043 in step 402d identifies the information 221 in the message 215 including the common information 213 and the message 219a including the device-specific information 217a which allows the wireless device 1043 to uniquely identify the message 215 including the common information 213 corresponding to the message 219a including the device specific information 217a. In one embodiment, the wireless device 1044 receives in step 402a the device-related information 209 included in the message 211 having a transport block format based at least in part on the coverage class of the wireless device 1044. In an alternative embodiment , the wireless device 1044 receives in step 402b the common information 213 included in the message 215 having one of the plurality of transport block formats based, at least in part, on the coverage class of the wireless device 1044. Furthermore, the wireless device 1044 receives in step 402c the device-specific information 217b included in message 219b having one of a plurality of transport block formats based, at least in part, on the coverage class of the wireless device 1044. It should be noted that the transport block formats used for messages 215 and 219b may be the same or different. Furthermore, the wireless device 1044 in step 402d identifies the information 221 in the message 215 including the common information 213 and the message 219b including the device-specific information 217b that allows the wireless device 1044 to uniquely identify the message 215 including common information 213 corresponding to message 219b including device specific information 217b.

[0047] Referring to Figure 5, there is a block diagram illustrating structures of an exemplary wireless device 1042, 1043 or 1044 (for example) for improving bandwidth utilization efficiency on a common DL channel when receiving information related to the device from the wireless access node 1022 (for example) in accordance with an embodiment of the present description. The wireless device 1042, 1043, or 1044 (for example) may comprise a receive module 502, a first receive module 502a, a second receive module 502b, a third receive module 502c, and an identification module 502d. The receiving module 502 is configured to receive one or more messages 207, 211, 215, 219a and 219b including device-related information on the common DL channel from the wireless access node 1022, where the one or more messages 207 , 211, 215, 219a and 219b have one or more transport block formats that satisfy a coverage class need of the wireless device 1042, 1043 or 1044. In one embodiment, the wireless device 1042 comprises the first receive module 502a which is configured to receive device-related information 205 included in message 207 having a transport block format based at least in part on the coverage class of the wireless device 1042. In one embodiment, the wireless device 1043 comprises the first receiving module 502a that is configured to receive device-related information 209 included in message 211 having a transport block format based at least in part on the coverage class of the wireless device 1043.

[0048] The receiving module 502 can receive a plurality of messages including device-related information, where the plurality of messages has a plurality of transport block formats. In an alternative embodiment, wireless device 1043 comprises second receive module 502b that is configured to receive common information 213 included in message 215 having one of a plurality of transport block formats based at least in part on the coverage class of the device. wireless device 1043. Additionally, wireless device 1043 comprises third receive module 502c that is configured to receive device-specific information 217a included in message 219a having one of a plurality of transport block formats based at least in part in wireless device coverage class 1043. It should be noted that the transport block formats used for messages 215 and 219a may be the same or different. Furthermore, the wireless device 1043 comprises the identification module 502d that is configured to identify the information 221 in the message 215 including the common information 213 and the message 219a including the device-specific information 217a that allows the wireless device 1043 to identify uniquely the message 215 including the common information 213 that corresponds to the message 219a including the device specific information 217a.

[0049] In one embodiment, the wireless device 1044 comprises the first receiving module 502a that is configured to receive device-related information 209 included in message 211 having a transport block format based at least in part on the class of coverage of wireless device 1043. In an alternative embodiment, wireless device 1044 comprises second receive module 502b that is configured to receive common information 213 included in message 215 having one of the plurality of transport block formats based on at least in part in the coverage class of wireless device 1044. Additionally, wireless device 1044 comprises third receiving module 502c that is configured to receive device-specific information 217b included in message 219b having one of a plurality of block formats. based at least in part on the coverage class of the wireless device 1044. It should be noted that the transport block formats used for messages 215 and 219b may be the same or different. Furthermore, the wireless device 1044 comprises the identification module 502d that is configured to identify the information 221 in the message 215 including the common information 213 and the message 219b including the device-specific information 217b that allows the wireless device 1044 to identify , uniquely, message 215 including common information 213 that corresponds to message 219b including device-specific information 217b.

[0050] As those skilled in the art will understand, the above-described modules 502, 502a, 502b, 502c and 502d of the wireless device 1042, 1043 or 1044 (for example) can be implemented separately as suitable dedicated circuits. Furthermore, modules 502, 502a, 502b, 502c and 502d can also be implemented using any number of dedicated circuits through functional combination or separation. In some embodiments, modules 502, 502a, 502b, 502c, and 502d may further be combined into a single application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). As an alternative software-based implementation, the wireless device 1042, 1043, or 1044 (for example) may comprise a memory 1202, 1203, and 1204, a processor 1182, 1183, and 1184 (including but not limited to a microprocessor, a microcontroller, or a digital signal processor (DSP), etc.) and the receiver 1162, 1163 and 1164. The memory 1202, 1203 and 1204 stores machine-readable program code executable by the processor 1182, 1183 and 1184 that makes the device without wire 1042, 1043 or 1044 (for example) perform the steps of method 400 described above. It should be noted that wireless devices 1041, 1042, 1043, 1044... 104n and other wireless devices may be configured to implement the method described above 400.

Application to GSM wireless communication network 1. Paging Channel (PCH)

[0051] In one embodiment, the above techniques are applied to the GSM wireless communication network and the PCH channel, part of the CCCH in the DL. The current PCH can at most carry paging-related information for four wireless devices addressed within a PCH message. The standard transport block format used by GSM today to send PCH messages is known as a radio block, containing 23 octets of payload space (mapped to 456 bits after addition and cyclic redundancy check (CRC) encoding) . A radio block consists of four normal bursts, each occupying a time slot in the TDMA frame structure in GSM. Furthermore, the transport block format consists of using Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying (GMSK) modulation and a code rate provided by the CS-1 coding scheme to transmit the information to the wireless devices.

[0052] In the following discussion, it is assumed that the changes to the legacy transport block format required for the new transport block format proposed in accordance with the present description involve: 1. Reduced lifetime of a radio block from four bursts to as little as a single-burst radio block. 2. Reduced payload information per transport block. Different mechanisms can be used to reduce the size of PCH messages. For example, the 'identity type' in a paging message may be fixed to a Packet Temporary Mobile Station Identity (P-TMSI). Since the Temporary Mobile Station Identity (TMSI) is only 32 bits, only 32 bits will be required in the Mobile Identity information element field (e.g. 'MS identity' in the paging message) to address the MS using P- TMSI. Thus, using P-TMSI will help reduce the total number of bits of information that need to be transported within the transport block. 3. Allow a variable number of transport block repetitions to reflect specific radio channel conditions for each of the N wireless devices to be paged. It should be noted that it is possible to dynamically adapt the number of repeats of transport blocks, for example according to the quality of the device-specific radio channel (e.g. detected or based on ongoing device-specific feedback received) or in accordance with a fixed coverage class associated with a given wireless device.

2. Example of PCH

[0053] The following properties of the transport block format are assumed to be the same for this example as for the current (i.e., legacy) PCH: 1. Modulation used (i.e., GMSK) 2. Code rate used (that is, about 1/2). A one-burst radio block and a four-burst radio block of approximately the same code rate are assumed to provide approximately the same performance. This is supported by the simulation results illustrated in the graph shown in Figure 6 where the performance of a four-burst radio block carrying 184 bits of information is compared with a one-burst radio block carrying different amounts of information bits. The results were simulated over a slowly moving hopless channel with a Doppler spread of about 1 Hz.

[0054] Furthermore, it is assumed that the four users (wireless devices) multiplexed in the current PCH block need 1, 4, 8 and 2 repetitions, respectively, for user 1, 2, 3 and 4.

[0055] Therefore, the current PCH consisting of 4 bursts per transmitted radio block needs to be transmitted 8 times to ensure the decoding (i.e., receive performance) of user 3 (i.e., the user with the worst channel conditions radio in this example) and therefore in total 8 * 4 = 32 normal bursts need to be transmitted. If instead the above modulation and code rate are followed, but within the context of the new device-specific transport block format techniques described in the present disclosure, then the same information could be transported with 1 + 4 + 8 + 2 = 15 bursts. Consequently, a bandwidth reduction of 53% is achieved.

[0056] More detailed simulations have also been performed where the probability of a wireless device needing extended coverage (i.e., more than a single repetition) is assumed to be 20%, and within that 20%, the number of repetitions required for different levels of extended coverage is: • 10%: 2 transmissions • 5%: 4 transmissions • 3%: 8 transmissions • 2%: 16 transmissions

[0057] In the case of using the described techniques proposed in this description, the average resource utilization is: (0.8 * 1 burst) + [(0.1 * 2 bursts) + (0.05 * 4 bursts) + (0.03 * 8 bursts) + (0.02 * 16 bursts)] = 1.76 bursts. However, if we assume multiplexing of four users (wireless devices) in the same paging block according to the current operation (i.e., the Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH) makes no attempt to address wireless devices of the same coverage class or similar coverage class within the same paging block), then the corresponding resource utilization, when using the current 4-burst PCH block, is 3.7 bursts. Even though users (wireless devices) who need 16 repetitions are rare in the system, these users, when paired with three other users in the same block, will likely be paired with users who only need a single repetition. For those users who only need a single repeat, the number of repeats used is a huge waste of radio resources. In this example, the bandwidth savings with the new transport block formats of the present disclosure are approximately 53%.

[0058] The use of the new transport block formats in accordance with the present description will effectively generate a quadrupling of the number of paging groups associated with any given coverage class for any Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycle as repetitions will be performed at the burst level instead of at the radio block level. For example, a wireless device that needs eight repetitions and uses a DRX cycle of approximately one minute will result in the following: • DRX cycle = 256 51-multiframes ~ 60 s (208 DRX cycles within the total frame number space (FN )). • PCH blocks (4 bursts each) per DRX cycle = PB_DRX_CYCLE = 256 * 8 = 2048. • Paging groups per DRX cycle = PG_DRX_CYCLE = (PB_DRX_CYCLE * 4) / 8 = 1024. • No inherent difficulties arise from one perspective paging group when using the new burst-based transport block format described here.

3. Common Information Management at PCH

[0059] PCH messages currently contain information common to all wireless devices including the set of N wireless devices to be paged within that PCH message (e.g., implicit rejection information and Earthquake and Tsunami Warning System information ( ETWS)) as well as device-specific information (e.g. MS identification such as P-TMSI). If common information is not sent separately from device-specific information, then its payload space could be large enough to require a reduced channel encoding rate for the transport blocks used to send it, and thus result in poor performance. of reduced BLER for these transport blocks, as illustrated in Figure 6. As such, from a transport block BLER perspective, it may be beneficial for common information to be sent using transport blocks separate from transport blocks used for send the N instances of device-specific information as described in this description. This can be accomplished, for example, using one or more of the technical features of the present description as follows: • Identify the common information applicable to a set of N wireless devices that need to be paged and send the common information using a transport block that all N devices can decode; • Send each of the N instances of device-specific information using an applicable transport block format. The device-specific information may also include, for example, a flag indicating whether or not the wireless device needs to yet acquire common information, since common information may be semi-static and therefore may not have changed since the last time wherein common information was read by the wireless device; and • Include information in each of the transport block formats used to send the device-specific information and in the transport block format used to send the common information that allows each of the N wireless devices to uniquely identify which information common matches your device specific information.

[0060] Using the previous example where four users (wireless devices) must be paged and need respectively 1, 4, 8 and 2 repetitions, there will be 15 transport blocks including device specific information and 8 transport blocks including information common, where all 23 transport blocks (bursts) maintain payload space-specific transport block BLER performance, as illustrated in Figure 6. This is still a huge improvement (i.e., 28% fewer bursts required ) compared to the 32 bursts that would have to be transmitted using the legacy transport block format, where each PCH block consists of 4 bursts and is repeated 8 times.

3.1 PCH Resource Management

[0061] In the current GSM wireless communication network, the base station (BS) needs to send valid layer 3 messages continuously on all paging subchannels in the CCCH. However, when wireless devices of different coverage classes monitor the same physical resource for Layer 3 messages, it may happen that wireless device B of a device class that has better coverage than the corresponding class for the device wireless device A (i.e., implying, for example, that fewer repetitions are required to reach wireless device B) a layer 3 message is sent using one or more radio blocks that include radio block(s) from the wireless device group. paging from wireless device A. Although these paging messages do not include a Layer 3 message addressing wireless device A, it is in the interest of wireless device A to decode the radio block sent from the BS to obtain an acknowledgment that wireless device A is still connected to a suitable cell and that wireless device A continues to monitor a correct CCCH. However, wireless device A will not be able to correctly decode the radio block unless the radio block is transmitted using a sufficiently high number of repetitions.

3.2 Overload control management using PCH resources

[0062] Additionally, wireless devices may still need to be subjected to an overload control mechanism, for example, the legacy Implicit Reject feature, in which wireless devices must first read a Grant Channel message. Access (AGCH) / PCH (sent to any wireless device) to obtain information related to access permission before attempting to access the system.

[0063] When sending information on a CCCH, the network takes into consideration wireless devices associated with the highest coverage class (e.g., needing 16 repetitions) since these wireless devices may be monitoring the channel. This can be accomplished by ensuring a certain minimum frequency with which this information (e.g., overload control, valid Layer 3 header) is sent using the transport formats required for these wireless devices. For example, the network may periodically send Implicit Reject information as ordinary information using an appropriate transport block format for 16 repetitions, regardless of whether or not the network needs to send information to any particular high coverage class wireless device at that point in the time.

4. Access Grant Channel (AGCH)

[0064] Support for new transport block formats used to send messages in the AGCH in accordance with the present description can be realized in the same manner as described above for PCH messages, since the same BLER performance is dependent on the load volume useful applies as illustrated in Figure 6. One difference can be that the volume of common information associated with an AGCH message sent using legacy procedures can be expected to be significantly greater than for a PCH message. As such, for the case of AGCH, there may be an even greater incentive to send common information (i.e., information applicable to a set of N wireless devices searching for an AGCH message) using a transport block format that all N wireless devices can decode to the present description.

5. Packet Synchronization/Downlink Control Channel (PTCCH/D)

[0065] In one embodiment, the above techniques of the present description can be applied to the PTCCH/D channel, which is used to support the Continuous Timing Advancement (TA) procedure in GSM for all wireless devices (MSs) in mode packet transfer, as described in 3GPP TS 45.010 V11.0.0, entitled “Technical Specification Group GSM/EDGE Radio Access Network; Radio subsystem synchronization (Release 11)”. The contents of this document are incorporated herein by reference.

[0066] PTCCH/D can carry a maximum of eight bits of TA-related information to 16 wireless devices (users) addressed by the same radio block. The standard transport block format used by GSM currently is to transmit PTCCH/D over a radio block consisting of four normal bursts, each occupying a time slot evenly distributed over two frames that are multiples of 52. The transport block format Transport consists of using GMSK modulation and a code rate provided by the CS-1 coding scheme to transmit information to the wireless device receiver.

[0067] However, according to the present description, the PTCCH/D transmission time duration is reduced from a four-burst radio block to a single-burst radio block. In single burst format, at least four wireless devices (users) using eight bits of TA information can be addressed. More than four bursts, the number of addressed wireless devices (users) are at least 16, as currently.

[0068] In another embodiment of the present description, up to six users using eight bits of TA information can be supported per burst, with the same code rate as the current one (i.e., as defined by the CS-1 coding scheme). The simulation results illustrated in Figure 6 for PCH are also applicable for PTCCH/D.

[0069] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, when less than eight bits of TA information are transmitted per wireless device (user), the code rate can be made more robust than the CS-1 coding scheme to improve performance. link level and/or to reduce the number of repetitions required in an extended coverage scenario. Alternatively, the number of wireless devices (users) supported by a single burst can be extended beyond six.

[0070] In yet another embodiment of the present description, the number of repetitions for the single burst format used in an extended coverage scenario is adapted, for example, according to the needs of wireless devices (users) addressed in the burst format. single burst. Groupings of wireless devices (users) with similar or the same coverage class needs will minimize the total number of burst transmissions in the Continuous TA procedure.

[0071] In contrast to the currently used PTCCH/D block multiplexing scheme, where each wireless device assigned the same physical channel (i.e., where the PTCCH/D is mapped) monitors each PTCCH/D block on that channel, the PTCCH/D channel when mixing wireless devices (users) of different coverage classes will have to be assigned so that the wireless devices know or can determine which radio resources are applicable and at what frequency the radio resources should be read .

[0072] An alternative approach to realizing PTCCH/D for extended coverage in accordance with the present description is to provide an update interval of the TA information, for example, in accordance with the worst coverage class wireless devices. In one example, the worst coverage class needs 16 reps. In this case, each PTCCH block (addressing all wireless devices according to the current operation) can only change the TA information at each block interval of the 16th PTCCH/D.

[0073] One scenario addressed by the present description is where N wireless devices are executing procedures during which the N wireless devices are attempting to read information (e.g., messages) in the DL of a common channel within the same time interval and the network introduces new transport block formats in the DL of a common channel to send information from N wireless devices (e.g., messages) in a way that satisfies the specific coverage class needs of these N wireless devices and that results in ability to realize significantly improved utilization of the bandwidth available on the common DL channel when compared to the case where wireless devices are simply assumed to be in the worst class of coverage. Furthermore, another scenario discussed here considers the case in which information that is common to all N wireless devices is identified and sent using transport blocks that are separate from the transport blocks used to send device-specific information, thus allowing the use of fewer radio resources compared to what would be necessary without this separation of information. Finally, improved power savings for wireless devices reading the common channel can be realized since the use of these new transport formats results in fewer bursts being read and processed, especially for wireless devices in the best coverage class ( for example, coverage class 1 where only a single initial transmission/reception is required).

[0074] Those skilled in the art will understand that the use of the term “exemplary” is used herein to mean “illustrative”, or “serving as an example” and is not intended to imply that a particular embodiment is preferred over another or that a particular characteristic is essential. Likewise, the terms “first” and “second,” and similar terms, are used simply to distinguish one particular occurrence of one item or feature from another, and do not indicate a particular order or arrangement unless the context clearly indicates the opposite. Furthermore, the term “step”, as used here, is intended to be synonymous with “operation” or “action”. Any description herein of a sequence of steps does not imply that these operations must be performed in a particular order, or even that these operations must be performed in any order, unless the context or details of the described operation clearly indicate otherwise.

[0075] Evidently, the present description can be carried out in other specific ways than those described here without abandoning the scope and essential characteristics of the invention. One or more of the specific processes discussed above may be performed in a cellular telephone or other communications transceiver comprising one or more suitably configured processing circuits, which may, in some embodiments, be incorporated into one or more application-specific integrated circuits ( ASICs). In some embodiments, these processing circuits may comprise one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers and/or digital signal processors programmed with appropriate software and/or non-modifiable software to perform one or more of the operations described above, or variants thereof. In some embodiments, these processing circuits may comprise custom hardware to perform one or more of the functions described above. The present embodiments are therefore considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive.

[0076] Although various embodiments of the present description have been illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the preceding detailed description, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the described embodiments, but is also capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the present description as set forth and defined in the following claims.

Claims (26)

1. Wireless access node (1021, 1022) configured to improve bandwidth utilization efficiency on a common downlink channel, DL, when transmitting device-related information (205, 209) to a wireless device ( 1042) or a group of wireless devices (1043, 1044), the wireless access node comprising: a processor (1321, 1322); and, a memory (1341, 1342) that stores processor-executable instructions, wherein the processor interfaces with the memory to execute the processor-executable instructions, wherein the wireless access node is operable to determine (202) one or more transport block formats to be used to transmit device-related information on the common DL channel for the wireless device or group of wireless devices, further characterized by the fact that the one or more transport block formats require that a number of repeated transmissions of device-related information on the common DL channel satisfy a current coverage class of the wireless device or a common current coverage class for the group of wireless devices. 2. The wireless access node of claim 1, wherein the wireless access node is further operable to: transmit (204) a message (207, 211) including device-related information to the wireless device or group of wireless devices using one of the one or more transport block formats. 3. The wireless access node of claim 1, wherein a plurality of transport block formats are determined to be used to transmit device-related information on the common DL channel for the group of devices. wireless, and wherein the wireless access node is further operable to: identify (206) common information (213) included in the device-related information applicable to the group of wireless devices, and transmit (208) a message (215) including information common to the group of wireless devices using one of the plurality of transport block formats that can be decoded by the group of wireless devices; and identifying (210) device-specific information (217a, 217b) included in the device-related information applicable to each individual wireless device in the group of wireless devices, and transmitting (212) individual messages (219a, 219b) including the information device specific to respective individual wireless devices that utilize more than one of the plurality of transport block formats that are applicable to the respective individual wireless devices. 4. The wireless access node of claim 3, wherein one of the plurality of transport block formats used to transmit the message including information common to the group of wireless devices is the same as at least one of the plurality of transport block formats used to transmit the individual messages including device-specific information to respective individual wireless devices. 5. Wireless access node according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that the wireless access node, before transmitting the message including the common information and before transmitting the individual messages, including the device specific information , is further operable to: add (214) information (221) in the message including the common information and in each of the individual messages including the device specific information, where the added information allows each of the individual wireless devices to identify in a manner unique message including the common information that corresponds to its respective individual message, including device-specific information. 6. The wireless access node of claim 1, wherein the wireless access node is further operable to: determine the current coverage class to be utilized by the wireless device based on an estimate of the number of repeated transmissions to satisfy a target Block Error Rate, BLER, and considering a number of Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request, HARQ, retransmissions that, on average, will result from using the target BLER. 7. The wireless access node of claim 1, wherein the current coverage class of the wireless device or the coverage class common to the group of wireless devices determines the number of repeated transmissions of related information with the device on the common DL channel. 8. Method (200) on a wireless access node (1021, 1022) for improving bandwidth utilization efficiency on a common downlink channel, DL, when transmitting information related to the device (205, 209) to a wireless device (1042) or a group of wireless devices (1043, 1044), the method comprising: determining (202) one or more transport block formats to be used to transmit device-related information on the DL channel common to the wireless device or group of wireless devices, further characterized by the fact that the one or more transport block formats require that a number of repeated transmissions of device-related information on the common DL channel satisfy a class of current coverage of the wireless device or a common current coverage class for the group of wireless devices. 9. Method according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that it further comprises: transmitting (204) a message (207, 211) including device-related information to the wireless device or group of wireless devices using one of one or more transport block formats. 10. The method of claim 8, wherein a plurality of transport block formats are determined to be used to transmit device-related information on the common DL channel for the group of wireless devices, and the method further comprising: identifying (206) common information (213) included in the device-related information applicable to the group of wireless devices, and transmitting (208) a message (215) including the information common to the group of wireless devices utilizing one of the plurality of transport block formats that can be decoded by the group of wireless devices; and, identifying (210) device-specific information (217a, 217b) included in the device-related information applicable to each individual wireless device in the group of wireless devices, and transmitting (212) individual messages (219a, 219b) including the device-specific information for the respective individual wireless devices that utilize more than one of the plurality of transport block formats that are applicable to the respective individual wireless devices. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein one of the plurality of transport block formats used to transmit the message including common information to the group of wireless devices is the same as at least one of the plurality of transport block formats used to transmit individual messages including device-specific information to respective individual wireless devices. 12. The method of claim 10, wherein, before transmitting the message including the common information and the individual messages including the device specific information, the method further comprises: adding (214) information (221) in the message including the common information and in each of the individual messages including the device-specific information, where the added information allows each of the individual wireless devices to uniquely identify the message including the common information that corresponds to its respective individual message containing device-specific information. 13. The method of claim 8, further comprising: determining the current coverage class to be used by the wireless device based on estimating the number of repeated transmissions to satisfy a Block Error Rate, BLER, target and considering a number of Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request, HARQ, retransmissions that, on average, will result from using the target BLER. 14. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the current coverage class of the wireless device or the coverage class common to the group of wireless devices determines the number of repeated transmissions of information related to the device in the common DL channel. 15. Wireless device (1041, 1042, 1043, 1044 ... 104n) configured to improve bandwidth utilization efficiency on a common downlink channel, DL, when receiving information related to the device (205, 209) from a wireless access node (1021, 1022), the wireless device comprising: a processor (1181, 1182, 1183, 1184 ... 118n); and, a memory (1201, 1202, 1203, 1204...120n) that stores processor-executable instructions, where the processor interfaces with the memory to execute the processor-executable instructions, where the wireless device is operable to receive ( 402) one or more messages (207, 211, 215, 219a, 219b) including device-related information on the common DL channel from the wireless access node, further characterized by the fact that the one or more messages are received a repeated number of times on the common DL channel as required by one or more defined transport block formats to meet a current coverage class of the wireless device. 16. The wireless device of claim 15, wherein the wireless device is further operable to: receive (402a) information relating to the device (205, 209) included in a (207, 211) of the one or more messages having one of the one or more transport block formats. 17. The wireless device of claim 15, wherein a plurality of messages including device-related information is received, wherein the plurality of messages has a plurality of transport block formats, wherein the information related to the device (209) includes (1) common information (213) applicable to the wireless device and one or more other wireless devices, and (2) device-specific information (217a, 217b) applicable to the wireless device, and wherein the wireless device is further operable to: receive (402b) the common information included in one (215) of the plurality of messages having one of the plurality of transport block formats; and receiving (402c) the device-specific information included in another (219a, 219b) of the plurality of messages having one of the plurality of transport block formats. 18. Wireless device according to claim 17, characterized in that the one of the plurality of transport block formats used to transmit the one of the plurality of messages including the common information is the same as the one of the plurality of transport block formats. transport blocks used to transmit one of the plurality of messages including device-specific information. 19. Wireless device according to claim 17, characterized by the fact that the wireless device is further operable to: identify (402d) an information (221) in one of the plurality of messages including the common information and the one of the plurality of messages including device-specific information, wherein the identified information uniquely identifies one of the plurality of messages including common information that corresponds to one of the plurality of messages including device-specific information. 20. The wireless device of claim 15, wherein the current coverage class of the wireless device determines a number of repeated transmissions of device-related information on the common DL channel. 21. Method (400) on a wireless device (1041, 1042, 1043, 1044 ... 104n) for improving bandwidth utilization efficiency on a common downlink channel, DL, when receiving device-related information (205, 209) from the wireless access node (1021, 1022), the method comprising: receiving (402) one or more messages (207, 211, 215, 219a, 219b) including information related to the device in the common DL channel from the wireless access node, further characterized by the fact that the one or more messages are received a repeated number of times on the common DL channel as required by one or more transport block formats defined to meet a class current coverage range of the wireless device. 22. Method according to claim 21, characterized by the fact that it further comprises: receiving (402a) the information related to the device (205, 209) included in one (207, 211) of the one or more messages having one of one or more transport block formats. 23. The method of claim 21, wherein a plurality of messages including device-related information is received, wherein the plurality of messages has a plurality of transport block formats, wherein the device-related information the device (209) includes (1) common information (213) applicable to the wireless device and one or more other wireless devices, and (2) device-specific information (217a, 217b) applicable to the wireless device, and the method further comprising: receiving (402b) the common information included in one (215) of the plurality of messages having one of the plurality of transport block formats; and receiving (402c) the device-specific information included in another (219a, 219b) of the plurality of messages having one of the plurality of transport block formats. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the one of the plurality of transport block formats used to transmit one of the plurality of messages including common information is the same as the one of the plurality of transport block formats. transport blocks used to transmit one of the plurality of messages including device-specific information. 25. Method according to claim 23, characterized by the fact that it further comprises: identifying (402d) information (221) in one of the plurality of messages including the common information and in the one of the plurality of messages including the device specific information , where the identified information uniquely identifies one of the plurality of messages including the common information that corresponds to one of the plurality of messages including the device-specific information. 26. The method of claim 21, wherein the current coverage class of the wireless device determines a number of repeated transmissions of device-related information on the common DL channel.