GB2580913A

GB2580913A - Timing advance communication

Info

Publication number: GB2580913A
Application number: GB1901181.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Cohen Ronen; Assouline Benny; Marco Olivier
Original assignee: TCL Communication Ltd
Current assignee: TCL Communication Ltd
Priority date: 2019-01-29
Filing date: 2019-01-29
Publication date: 2020-08-05
Anticipated expiration: 2039-01-29
Also published as: GB201901181D0; GB2580913B

Abstract

A base station allocates recurring preconfigured uplink resources (PURs) 200 for a user equipment (UE). The UE transmits data to the base station using the PURs and the base station transmits an indication of reception or failed reception of the data 201 (ACK or NACK) and a pointer 202 which points to resources 203 on which timing advance information will be transmitted by the base station. The ACK/NACK and pointer may be transmitted in a single message. The UE receives the timing update and resets its timing advance timer (TAT) while remaining in idle mode. The pointer is a DCI message transmitted on (N)PDCCH and the NDI flag of the DCI message may indicate whether data was successfully received. The timing advance update information is transmitted as a TA-MAC message.

Description

Timing Advance Communication

Technical Field

[1] The following disclosure relates to communications using preconfigured uplink resources, and in particular to communication of timing advance information in such systems.

Background

[2] Wireless communication systems, such as the third-generation (3G) of mobile telephone standards and technology are well known. Such 3G standards and technology have been developed by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The 3rd generation of wireless communications has generally been developed to support macro-cell mobile phone communications. Communication systems and networks have developed towards a broadband and mobile system.

[3] In cellular wireless communication systems User Equipment (UE) is connected by a wireless link to a Radio Access Network (RAN). The RAN comprises a set of base stations which provide wireless links to the UEs located in cells covered by the base station, and an interface to a Core Network (CN) which provides overall network control. As will be appreciated the RAN and CN each conduct respective functions in relation to the overall network. For convenience the term cellular network will be used to refer to the combined RAN & CN, and it will be understood that the term is used to refer to the respective system for performing the disclosed function.

[4] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project has developed the so-called Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, namely, an Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunication System Territorial Radio Access Network, (E-UTRAN), for a mobile access network where one or more macro-cells are supported by a base station known as an eNodeB or eNB (evolved NodeB). More recently, LTE is evolving further towards the so-called 5G or NR (new radio) systems where one or more cells are supported by a base station known as a gNB. NR is proposed to utilise an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexed (OFDM) physical transmission format.

[5] NB-IoT is a 3GPP technology designed to support a type of device which has low complexity, very low throughput and low energy consumption. It is usually used for MTC (Machine Type Communication) services that require low throughput and longer range than standard LTE devices while being tolerant to high latency.

[6] eMTC (enhanced machine type communication) is another 3GPP technology designed for machine to machine communication. It is based on the LTE standard with some changes in the control channel along with transmission scheme supporting enhanced coverage.

[7] In order to improve the efficiency of uplink transmissions a system to allow uplink transmission while in idle mode using Preconfigured Uplink Resources (PURs) has been proposed. UEs are permitted to transmit in allocated PURs provided their Timing Advance (TA) is within a defined window. Transmissions may use an SC-FDMA waveform. The use of PURs reduces control signalling and avoids the need for uplink grant signalling prior to a transmission.

[8] The validity period of a TA value is set by a Timing Advance Timer (TAT). Currently there is no mechanism to update TA, and hence reset TAT, while in idle mode. A UE in idle mode can thus only use PURs for the duration of TAT and must then transition to connected mode to update its TA. This wastes resources and prevents long-term usage of PURs while in idle mode.

[9] There is therefore a requirement for a system to extend the idle period during which PURs can be utilised.

Summary

[10] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[11] There is provided a method for managing preconfigured uplink resources in a cellular wireless communications network, the method comprising the steps of at a base station of the communications network allocating recurring preconfigured uplink resources for a UE; transmitting data from the UE to the base station utilising the preconfigured uplink resources; transmitting from the base station to the UE an indication of reception, or failed reception, of the data and a pointer to resources on which timing advance update information will be transmitted by the base station; transmitting from the base station to the UE timing advance update information; receiving the timing update information at the UE and updating the UE's timing advance, and resetting the UE's timing advance timer.

[12] Two search spaces may be defined for the UE subsequent to at least one occurrence of the recurring preconfigured resources, the indication of reception, or failed reception, and the pointer to resources being transmitted in at least one of those search spaces.

[13] The timing advance update information may be transmitted as a TA-MAC message.

[14] The pointer to resources for timing advance update information may be a DCI message transmitted on (N)PDCCH.

[15] The indication of reception, or failed reception, and the pointer to resources for timing advance update information, may be two separate messages.

[16] The indication of reception, or failed reception, and the pointer to resources for timing advance update information, may be a single message.

[17] The single message may be a DCI message transmitted on (N)PDCCH.

[18] The DCI message may be used to indicate whether the data was successfully received.

[19] If reception of the data failed the eNB may transmit an indication of uplink resources for retransmission of the data to the UE.

[20] The indication of uplink resources may comprise a DCI message indicating (N)PUSCH resources.

[21] The UE timing advance update information may comprise an indication that further PURs allocated for the UE are cancelled.

[22] The indication that further PURs allocated for the UE are cancelled may comprise a predetermined value of timing advance.

[23] A predetermined value of timing advance may indicate that the UE should reset its timing advance timer, but not adjust its timing advance.

[24] There is also provided a method for managing preconfigured uplink resources in a cellular wireless communications network, the method performed at a base station of the cellular wireless communications network and comprising the steps of allocating recurring preconfigured uplink resources for a UE; receiving data from the UE utilising the preconfigured uplink resources; transmitting from the base station to the UE an indication of reception, or failed reception, of the data and a pointer to resources on which timing advance update information will be transmitted by the base station; and transmitting from the base station to the UE timing advance update information.

[25] Two search spaces may be defined for the UE subsequent to at least one occurrence of the recurring preconfigured resources, the indication of reception, or failed reception, and the pointer to resources being transmitted in at least one of those search spaces.

[26] The timing advance update information may be transmitted as a TA-MAC message.

[27] The pointer to resources for timing advance update information may be a DCI message transmitted on (N)PDCCH.

[28] The indication of reception, or failed reception, and the pointer to resources for timing advance update information, may be two separate messages.

[29] The indication of reception, or failed reception, and the pointer to resources for timing advance update information, may be a single message.

[30] The single message may be a DCI message transmitted on (N)PDCCH.

[31] The NDI flag of the DCI message may be used to indicate whether the data was successfully received.

[32] The DCI message may include an indication whether the data was successfully received.

[33] If reception of the data failed, the eNB may transmit an indication of uplink resources for retransmission of the data to the UE.

[34] The indication of uplink resources may comprise a DCI message indicating (N)PUSCH resources.

[35] The UE timing advance update information may comprise an indication that further PURs allocated for the UE are cancelled.

[36] The indication that further PURs allocated for the UE are cancelled may comprise a predetermined value of timing advance.

[37] A predetermined value of timing advance may indicate that the UE should reset its timing advance timer, but not adjust its timing advance.

[38] There is also provided a method for managing preconfigured uplink resources in a cellular wireless communications network, the method performed at a UE connected to the cellular wireless communications network and method comprising the steps of receiving an indication from a base station of the cellular wireless communication network indicating recurring preconfigured uplink resources allocated for the UE; transmitting data from the UE to the base station utilising the preconfigured uplink resources; receiving from the base station an indication of reception, or failed reception, of the data and a pointer to resources on which timing advance update information will be transmitted by the base station; receiving from the base station UE timing advance update information and updating the UE's timing advance, and resetting the UE's timing advance timer.

[39] Two search spaces may be defined for the UE subsequent to at least one occurrence of the recurring preconfigured resources, the indication of reception, or failed reception, and the pointer to resources being received in at least one of those search spaces.

[40] The timing advance update information may be received as a TA-MAC message.

[41] The pointer to resources for timing advance update information may be a DCI message transmitted on (N)PDSCH.

[42] The indication of reception, or failed reception, and the pointer to resources for timing advance update information, may be two separate messages.

[43] The indication of reception, or failed reception, and the pointer to resources for timing advance update information, may be a single message.

[44] The single message may be a DCI message transmitted on (N)PDCCH.

[45] The NDI flag of the DCI message may be used to indicate whether the data was successfully received.

[46] The DCI message may include an indication whether the data was successfully received.

[47] If reception of the data failed, optionally receiving from the eNB an indication of uplink resources for retransmission of the data.

[48] The indication of uplink resources may comprise a DCI message indicating (N)PUSCH resources.

[49] The UE timing advance update information may comprise an indication that further PURs allocated for the UE are cancelled.

[50] The indication that further PURs allocated for the UE are cancelled may comprise a predetermined value of timing advance.

[51] A predetermined value of timing advance may indicate that the UE should reset its timing advance timer, but not adjust its timing advance.

[52] The non-transitory computer readable medium may comprise at least one from a group consisting of: a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, a Read Only Memory, a Programmable Read Only Memory, an Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory, EPROM, an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory and a Flash memory.

Brief description of the drawings

[53] Further details, aspects and embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings. Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. Like reference numerals have been included in the respective drawings to ease understanding.

[54] Figure 1 shows example components of a cellular wireless communication system; [55] Figure 2 shows uplink and downlink resource allocations in a PUR method; [56] Figure 3 shows a flowchart of a method of managing timing advance of a UE; [57] Figure 4 shows uplink and downlink resource allocations in a PUR method; and [58] Figure 5 shows a flowchart of a method of managing timing advance of a UE.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

[59] Those skilled in the art will recognise and appreciate that the specifics of the examples described are merely illustrative of some embodiments and that the teachings set forth herein are applicable in a variety of alternative settings.

[60] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of three base stations (for example, eNB or gNBs depending on the particular cellular standard and terminology) forming a cellular network. Typically, each of the base stations will be deployed by one cellular network operator to provide geographic coverage for UEs in the area. The base stations form a Radio Area Network (RAN). Each base station provides wireless coverage for UEs in its area or cell. The base stations are interconnected via the X2 interface and are connected to the core network via the S1 interface. As will be appreciated only basic details are shown for the purposes of exemplifying the key features of a cellular network.

[61] The base stations each comprise hardware and software to implement the RAN's functionality, including communications with the core network and other base stations, carriage of control and data signals between the core network and UEs, and maintaining wireless communications with UEs associated with each base station. The core network comprises hardware and software to implement the network functionality, such as overall network management and control, and routing of calls and data.

[62] Since the purpose of NB-loT and eMTC devices is to minimise power usage, any system to enable extending usage of PUR should minimise additional power consumption. It is therefore beneficial to define an efficient signalling system which can work in conjunction with existing processes. In the examples described herein a TA update process is defined which is linked to PUR transmissions thus making efficient of transmission resources and UE activity.

[63] Two Search Spaces (SS) may be defined for the UE after a PUR transmission. One or both of the SSs may be utilised to transmit an acknowledgement of received data and a pointer to the location of a MAC-TA message to update the UE's TA (if needed). The acknowledgement and pointer may be provided as a single message, or as two messages.

[64] Several DCI message formats may be beneficial in the implementation of the following disclosure.

[65] eMTC defines 5 types of DCI messages. Types 6-0A, and 6-0B are used to allow an uplink (UL) transmission or as feedback for previous UL transmission (NACK/ACK). Type 6-0B specifics are shown in Table 1 -DCI type 6-0B. Types 6-1A and 6-1B are used to schedule transmission in the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH). Type 6-1B specifics are shown in Table 2. Type 6-2 is used for paging transmission.

Field #bits Indication

Flag format 6-0B/6-1B 1 '0' -6-0B, '1' -6-1B Flag sub-PRB resource allocation 1 '0' -not enabled, '1' -sub-PRB resource allocation enabled Resource block assignment incase sub-PRB allocation Ito Fe2 6 rIA; + 4 log2 NUL is the narrowband index 4 bits resource allocation narrowband.

- within 6Rs -the Resource block assignment incase PRB allocation Flog2 HNI11 + 3 ilog2 E-1=6811 is the narrowband index 3 bits resource allocation within the narrowband.

Number of resource units 1 This field is present when the flag for sub-PRB resource allocation is present and is reserved when the flag for sub-PRB resource allocation is set to O. Modulation and coding scheme 3/4 3 for sub-PRB allocation, 4 otherwise.

Repetition number 3 The 3-bit field applies when ce-pdsch-puschEnhancementconfig is configured by higher layers, otherwise the 2-bit field applies.

HARQ process number 1 New data indicator 1 DCI subframe repetition number 2 Table 1 -DCI type 6-0B

Field #bits Indication

Flag format 6-0B/6-1B 1 '0' -6-0B, '1' -6-1B Reserved bits loge [AliCAll All bits set to 1 + 2 F 6 Preamble Index 6 PRACH Mask Index 4 Starting CE level 2 Provide the PRACH starting CE level.

Modulation and coding scheme 4 Resource block assignment in case bandwidth is 5MHz Resource block assignment incase N ilk > 25 hog2 ND', ",DL [ il + 4 riog2 Lv2711 - 24 mSB provide the wideband index 4 bits provide narrowband bitmap within the wideband Resource blockassignment otherwise INA4 I If =1, 1 bit provide the resource allocation within the narrowband Otherwise provide the allocated narrowband [ 6 [ Resource block assignment in case bandwidth is 20MHz Resource block assignment incase Na > 50 lo g2 DI, + 5 log2 DL + 1 MSB provide the wideband index narrowband bitmap within the wideband HNRB 4 bits -1V21213 provide Resource block assignment otherwise A T A),k I If =1, 1 bit provide the resource allocation within the narrowband Otherwise provide the allocated narrowband [ 6 [ Resource block assignment otherwise Resource block assignment ND/ + 1 DL NRB 1 MSB provide the narrowband index ilog2 Hil M 1 bit provide the resource allocation within the narrowband.

Flog2 [-" Repetition number 3 The 3-bit field applies when ce-pdsch-puschEnhancementconfig is configured by higher layers, otherwise the 2-bit field applies.

HARQ process number 1 New data indicator 1 HARQ-ACK resource offset 0 or 2 Information for SC-MCCH change notification 2 DCI subframe repetition number 2 Table 2 -DCI type 6-1B [66] For NB-IoT there are 3 types of DCI messages. Type NO is used for an UL grant and feed for previous UL transmission, its specifics are shown in Table 3. Type N1 is used for NPDSCH scheduling, its specifics are shown in Table 4. Finally, type N2 is used for paging transmission.

Scheduling delay Resource assignment Modulation and coding scheme Repetition number Flag format NO/N1 differentiation Subcarrier indication Frequency hopping flag Resource assignment Modulation and coding scheme Redundancy version Repetition number DCI subframe repetition number

Field #bits

Indication Scheduling Delay New data indicator

1 This field is only present when ce-pdsch-

puschEnhancement-config is configured by higher layers Table 3 -DCI type NO HARQ process number

Field #bits

Indication Flag format NO/N1 differentiation NPDCCH order indicator Subcarrier indication New data indicator DCI subframe repetition number HARQ ACK resource 4 This field is only present when ce-pdsch-puschEnhancement-config is configured by higher layers HARQ process number 1 This field can only be present if 2 HARQ processes are configured and the corresponding DO format is mapped onto the UE specific search space given by the C-RNTI.

Table 4 -DCI type Ni for transmission when NPDCCH order indicator is set to 0 and scrambled by C-RNTI [67] Using the above transmissions, it is possible for the network (NW) to control the UL and downlink transmission in a cell.

[68] Figure 2 shows a chart of transmission resources for a method of updating a UE's TA after a PUR transmission, and Figure 3 shows a flow chart of that method.

[69] At step 300 the UE is allocated PURs 200 in which it can transmit. The UE may be informed of the PURs 200 using any appropriate means. At step 301 the UE makes a transmission in PURs 200. Two Search Spaces (SSs) 201, 202 are defined for the UE subsequent to the PURs 200. At step 302 the eNB transmits an ACK/NAK message in SS 201 for the data transmitted in PURs 200.

[70] At step 303 the UE monitors SS 201 and endeavours to decode the ACK/NAK message. At step 304 the eNB transmits a pointer in SS 202 indicating the location in which a message including TA information can be expected. At step 305 the UE monitors SS 202 and receives & decodes the pointer. The eNB transmits the message including TA information at step 306 in resources 203 and the UE receives it at step 307.

[71] The UE thus receives an updated TA value from the eNB, and at step 308 updates its stored value for TA and restarts its TAT counter. The UE has thus updated TA and restarted TAT without needing to transition to connected mode, and in a shared action with data transmission.

[72] The pointer to the TA information transmitted at step 304 may be a DCI message transmitted on the (N)PDCCH. In a particular example, the DCI message may be type N1 for NBloT devices, and type 6-1B or type 6-0B for eMTC devices. The message including TA information transmitted at step 306 may be a TA-MAC message which will enable the UE to correct its TA and restart its TAT.

[73] As well as indicating the location of TA information, as described above, the message transmitted at step 304 in resources 202 may be an indication to the UE to terminate the PUR allocation. The indication may be an explicit termination message or may include an indication that TAT may not be restarted, which indicates the PURs will expire once the UE's TAT has expired. Furthermore, the message may indicate that no update to TA is needed, but the PUR may continue.

[74] For clarity the steps taken by the UE and eNB have been presented as a single method, but as will be appreciated the method performed by the UE and eNB are separable and are disclosed in isolation from each other as methods performed by the relevant apparatus independent of the other apparatus.

[75] Figure 4 shows examples of resources used in a further example of TA update processes in which ACK/NAK indications may be combined with other messages. Scenarios (a) and (b) shown in Figure 4 relate to successful PUR transmission with TA update and unsuccessful PUR transmission respectively. The method for utilising the resources is set out in Figure 5.

[76] At step 500 the UE makes a transmission on pre-allocation PURs 400. If the transmission is successfully received at the eNB the method moves to step 501 and if the transmission is not successfully received the method moves to step 502. At step 501 the eNB determines whether an updated TA is required. If no update is required the eNB transmits an ACK message at step 503 and no further action is required. The UE may continue to utilise the PURs based on its existing TA and TAT values.

[77] If an updated TA is required, at step 504 the eNB transmits a pointer in resources 401 to a TA update message 402. The pointer may be an (N)PDSCH DCI and may have its NDI set to false. The DCI message includes the pointer to the TA update message 402, which the UE then seeks to receive and update its TA from. The NDI set to false acts as an indication that the data was successfully received and hence the message acts to ACK the data, and to point to the TA update message. As will be appreciated, the value of false is an example only and any value may be utilised provided the receiver is aware of the meaning of that value. Two messages of the method described above are thus combined into a single message, thus reducing communication overhead.

[78] As described above two SSs may be defined subsequent to the PUR and either may be utilised for transmission of the pointer 401. If the first SS is used the number of blind decoding instances may be increased, but the UE may return to power saving mode faster. Using the second SS may reduce the blind decodes but will increase the time before the UE can return to power saving mode.

[79] If at step 500 the transmission was not successfully received the eNB assesses at step 502 whether the UE's TA should be updated. If an update is needed, at step 505 the eNB transmits a pointer in resources 403 to resources 404 on which TA information can be received. The UE monitors resources 404 to receive and update its TA information, and the UE can reset its TAT. The pointer transmitted at step 505 also includes an indication that the PUR transmission was not successfully received.

[80] In an example the pointer may be a DCI transmitted on (N)PDCCH and the TA information message may be a TA-MAC message. The (N)PDSCH DCI has its NDI set (for example to true) to indicate failed reception.

[81] Upon receiving the indication that reception has failed the UE proceeds to monitor the relevant SS 405 for a message transmitted at step 506 scheduling retransmission. This message may be a DCI transmission indicating (N)PUSCH resources to use for the retransmission. The NDI of the DCI is not required in this example and may be used for other purposes, for example to indicate a paging message, or a request to enter connected mode, or to suggest release of PUR.

[82] If at step 502 TA update is not required, a message indicating retransmission resources is transmitted at step 507 in either the first or second SS. This message may be a DCI transmission indicating (N)PUSCH resources 406 to use for the retransmission. The NDI of the DCI is not required in this example and may be used for other purposes, for example to indicate a paging message, or a request to enter connected mode, or to suggest release of PUR.

[83] The TA update message, for example a MAC-TA update, may also specify a release of the UE's PUR allocation. For example, a predetermined value in the update message, it would be possible to inform the UE that the UEs next PUR allocations are cancelled. This would conserve energy because otherwise the base station may have to request a connection initiation from the UE to send out the message via RRC signaling. Using a predetermined value decreases the options available for TA update, but this is negligible out of 2'16 available values in an example MAC-TA signal.

[84] The TA update message (for example TA-MAC) may have a value of zero correction. This would signal to the UE to reset its TAT in case the eNB would like to enable further PUR transmissions to the UE, but TA update is not required. For example, this could be used in case the base station wishes to persist a one-shot PUR (a PUR with only one transmission), by transmitting a MAC-TA message with zero correction the UE is informed it has another allocation of PUR.

[85] A MAC-TA message may use a single bit in the message to specify persistence of PUR scheduling, this bit would tell if the eNB allows for more PUR scheduled transmission, while the rest of the bits in the message be used to correct the TA of the UE's transmission.

[86] The processes of Figures 4 & 5 thus provide methods for updating TA as required while also sharing resources.

[87] As above, the methods performed by the UE and eNB are described together for clarity but are separable from one another.

[88] As described above the (N)PDSCH DCI may be utilised to transmit a signal indicating to terminate the PUR, or the other alternatives described above.

[89] In a modified version of the method described with reference to Figures 4 & 5 the TA may always be updated in cases of unsuccessful reception. In the successful reception case the method is consistent with that described with reference to Figures 4 & 5. If the message is not successfully received steps 505 and 506 are always performed to indicate the failed transmission, update TA, and schedule resources for a retransmission of the data.

[90] In this modified version the NDI indication in the (N)PDSCH DCI indicates whether the UE should monitor for a further DCI scheduling uplink resources for a retransmission of the data. If the NDI indications successful reception the DCI indicates the location of the TA-MAC, but no further DCI is expected. If the NDI indicates unsuccessful reception a second DCI will always be received, which DCI indicates (N)PUSCH resources for retransmission of the data.

[91] The above disclosure thus provides methods for extending the availability of PURs for UEs without requiring UEs to transition to a connected mode. The processes enable an update of a UE's TA value, and hence reset of TAT, in conjunction with a transmission in an occurrence of the PUR.

[92] Although not shown in detail any of the devices or apparatus that form part of the network may include at least a processor, a storage unit and a communications interface, wherein the processor unit, storage unit, and communications interface are configured to perform the method of any aspect of the present invention. Further options and choices are described below.

[93] The signal processing functionality of the embodiments of the invention especially the gNB and the UE may be achieved using computing systems or architectures known to those who are skilled in the relevant art. Computing systems such as, a desktop, laptop or notebook computer, hand-held computing device (PDA, cell phone, palmtop, etc.), mainframe, server, client, or any other type of special or general purpose computing device as may be desirable or appropriate for a given application or environment can be used. The computing system can include one or more processors which can be implemented using a general or special-purpose processing engine such as, for example, a microprocessor, microcontroller or other control module.

[94] The computing system can also include a main memory, such as random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic memory, for storing information and instructions to be executed by a processor. Such a main memory also may be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by the processor. The computing system may likewise include a read only memory (ROM) or other static storage device for storing static information and instructions for a processor.

[95] The computing system may also include an information storage system which may include, for example, a media drive and a removable storage interface. The media drive may include a drive or other mechanism to support fixed or removable storage media, such as a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, a compact disc (CD) or digital video drive (DVD) read or write drive (R or RV V), or other removable or fixed media drive. Storage media may include, for example, a hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic tape, optical disk, CD or DVD, or other fixed or removable medium that is read by and written to by media drive. The storage media may include a computer-readable storage medium having particular computer software or data stored therein.

[96] In alternative embodiments, an information storage system may include other similar components for allowing computer programs or other instructions or data to be loaded into the computing system. Such components may include, for example, a removable storage unit and an interface, such as a program cartridge and cartridge interface, a removable memory (for example, a flash memory or other removable memory module) and memory slot, and other removable storage units and interfaces that allow software and data to be transferred from the removable storage unit to computing system.

[97] The computing system can also include a communications interface. Such a communications interface can be used to allow software and data to be transferred between a computing system and external devices. Examples of communications interfaces can include a modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet or other NIC card), a communications port (such as for example, a universal serial bus (USB) port), a PCMCIA slot and card, etc. Software and data transferred via a communications interface are in the form of signals which can be electronic, electromagnetic, and optical or other signals capable of being received by a communications interface medium.

[98] In this document, the terms 'computer program product', 'computer-readable medium' and the like may be used generally to refer to tangible media such as, for example, a memory, storage device, or storage unit. These and other forms of computer-readable media may store one or more instructions for use by the processor comprising the computer system to cause the processor to perform specified operations. Such instructions, generally 45 referred to as computer program code' (which may be grouped in the form of computer programs or other groupings), when executed, enable the computing system to perform functions of embodiments of the present invention. Note that the code may directly cause a processor to perform specified operations, be compiled to do so, and/or be combined with other software, hardware, and/or firmware elements (e.g., libraries for performing standard functions) to do so.

[99] The non-transitory computer readable medium may comprise at least one from a group consisting of: a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, a Read Only Memory, a Programmable Read Only Memory, an Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory, EPROM, an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory and a Flash memory. In an embodiment where the elements are implemented using software, the software may be stored in a computer-readable medium and loaded into computing system using, for example, removable storage drive. A control module (in this example, software instructions or executable computer program code), when executed by the processor in the computer system, causes a processor to perform the functions of the invention as described herein.

[100] Furthermore, the inventive concept can be applied to any circuit for performing signal processing functionality within a network element. It is further envisaged that, for example, a semiconductor manufacturer may employ the inventive concept in a design of a stand-alone device, such as a microcontroller of a digital signal processor (DSP), or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and/or any other sub-system element.

[101] It will be appreciated that, for clarity purposes, the above description has described embodiments of the invention with reference to a single processing logic. However, the inventive concept may equally be implemented by way of a plurality of different functional units and processors to provide the signal processing functionality. Thus, references to specific functional units are only to be seen as references to suitable means for providing the described functionality, rather than indicative of a strict logical or physical structure or organisation.

[102] Aspects of the invention may be implemented in any suitable form including hardware, software, firmware or any combination of these. The invention may optionally be implemented, at least partly, as computer software running on one or more data processors and/or digital signal processors or configurable module components such as FPGA devices.

[103] Thus, the elements and components of an embodiment of the invention may be physically, functionally and logically implemented in any suitable way. Indeed, the functionality may be implemented in a single unit, in a plurality of units or as part of other functional units. Although the present invention has been described in connection with some embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein. Rather, the scope of the present invention is limited only by the accompanying claims. Additionally, although a feature may appear to be described in connection with particular embodiments, one skilled in the art would recognise that various features of the described embodiments may be combined in accordance with the invention. In the claims, the term 'comprising' does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps.

[104] Furthermore, although individually listed, a plurality of means, elements or method steps may be implemented by, for example, a single unit or processor. Additionally, although individual features may be included in different claims, these may possibly be advantageously combined, and the inclusion in different claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and/or advantageous. Also, the inclusion of a feature in one category of claims does not imply a limitation to this category, but rather indicates that the feature is equally applicable to other claim categories, as appropriate.

[105] Furthermore, the order of features in the claims does not imply any specific order in which the features must be performed and in particular the order of individual steps in a method claim does not imply that the steps must be performed in this order. Rather, the steps may be performed in any suitable order. In addition, singular references do not exclude a plurality. Thus, references to 'a', 'an', 'first', 'second', etc. do not preclude a plurality.

[106] Although the present invention has been described in connection with some embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein. Rather, the scope of the present invention is limited only by the accompanying claims. Additionally, although a feature may appear to be described in connection with particular embodiments, one skilled in the art would recognise that various features of the described embodiments may be combined in accordance with the invention. In the claims, the term 'comprising' or "including" does not exclude the presence of other elements.

Claims

Claims 1. A method for managing preconfigured uplink resources in a cellular wireless communications network, the method comprising the steps of at a base station of the communications network allocating recurring preconfigured uplink resources for a UE; transmitting data from the UE to the base station utilising the preconfigured uplink resources; transmitting from the base station to the UE an indication of reception, or failed reception, of the data and a pointer to resources on which timing advance update information will be transmitted by the base station; transmitting from the base station to the UE timing advance update information; receiving the timing update information at the UE and updating the UE's timing advance, and resetting the UE's timing advance timer.
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein two search spaces are defined for the UE subsequent to at least one occurrence of the recurring preconfigured resources, the indication of reception, or failed reception, and the pointer to resources being transmitted in at least one of those search spaces.
3. A method according to any preceding claim wherein the timing advance update information is transmitted as a TA-MAC message.
4. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the pointer to resources for timing advance update information is a DCI message transmitted on (N)PDCCH.
5. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the indication of reception, or failed reception, and the pointer to resources for timing advance update information, are two separate messages.
6. A method according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the indication of reception, or failed reception, and the pointer to resources for timing advance update information, are a single message.
7. A method according to claim 6, wherein the single message is a DCI message transmitted on (N)PDCCH.
8. A method according to claim 7, wherein the NDI flag of the DCI message is used to indicate whether the data was successfully received.
9. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein if reception of the data failed, transmitting from the eNB to the UE an indication of uplink resources for retransmission of the data.
10. A method according to claim 9, wherein the indication of uplink resources comprises a DCI message indicating (N)PUSCH resources.
11. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the UE timing advance update information comprises an indication that further PURs allocated for the UE are cancelled. 13
12. A method according to claim 11, wherein the indication that further PURs allocated for the UE are cancelled comprises a predetermined value of timing advance.
13. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein a predetermined value of timing advance indicates that the UE should reset its timing advance timer, but not adjust its timing advance.
14. A method for managing preconfigured uplink resources in a cellular wireless communications network, the method performed at a base station of the cellular wireless communications network and comprising the steps of allocating recurring preconfigured uplink resources for a UE; receiving data from the UE utilising the preconfigured uplink resources; transmitting from the base station to the UE an indication of reception, or failed reception, of the data and a pointer to resources on which timing advance update information will be transmitted by the base station; and transmitting from the base station to the UE timing advance update information.
15. A method according to claim 14, wherein two search spaces are defined for the UE subsequent to at least one occurrence of the recurring preconfigured resources, the indication of reception, or failed reception, and the pointer to resources being transmitted in at least one of those search spaces.
16. A method according to claim 14 or claim 15 wherein the timing advance update information is transmitted as a TA-MAC message.
17. A method according to any of claims 14 to 16, wherein the pointer to resources for timing advance update information is a DCI message transmitted on (N)PDCCH.
18. A method according to any of claims 14 to 17, wherein the indication of reception, or failed reception, and the pointer to resources for timing advance update information, are two separate messages.
19. A method according to any of claims 14 to 17, wherein the indication of reception, or failed reception, and the pointer to resources for timing advance update information, are a single message.
20. A method according to claim 19, wherein the single message is a DCI message transmitted on (N)PDCCH.
21. A method according to claim 20, wherein the NDI flag of the DCI message is used to indicate whether the data was successfully received.
22. A method according to claim 8 or claim 20, wherein the DCI message includes an indication whether the data was successfully received.
23. A method according to any of claims 14 to 22, wherein if reception of the data failed, transmitting from the eNB to the UE an indication of uplink resources for retransmission of the data.
24. A method according to claim 23, wherein the indication of uplink resources comprises a DCI message indicating (N)PUSCH resources.
25. A method according to any of claims 14 to 24, wherein the UE timing advance update information comprises an indication that further PURs allocated for the UE are cancelled.
26. A method according to claim 25, wherein the indication that further PURs allocated for the UE are cancelled comprises a predetermined value of timing advance.
27. A method according to any of claims 14 to 26, wherein a predetermined value of timing advance indicates that the UE should reset its timing advance timer, but not adjust its timing advance.
28. A method for managing preconfigured uplink resources in a cellular wireless communications network, the method performed at a UE connected to the cellular wireless communications network and method comprising the steps of receiving an indication from a base station of the cellular wireless communication network indicating recurring preconfigured uplink resources allocated for the UE; transmitting data from the UE to the base station utilising the preconfigured uplink resources; receiving from the base station an indication of reception, or failed reception, of the data and a pointer to resources on which timing advance update information will be transmitted by the base station; receiving from the base station UE timing advance update information and updating the UE's timing advance, and resetting the UE's timing advance timer.
29. A method according to claim 28, wherein two search spaces are defined for the UE subsequent to at least one occurrence of the recurring preconfigured resources, the indication of reception, or failed reception, and the pointer to resources being received in at least one of those search spaces.
30. A method according to claim 28 or 29, wherein the timing advance update information is received as a TA-MAC message.
31. A method according to any of claims 28 to 30, wherein the pointer to resources for timing advance update information is a DCI message transmitted on (N)PDSCH.
32. A method according to any of claims 28 to 31, wherein the indication of reception, or failed reception, and the pointer to resources for timing advance update information, are two separate messages.
33. A method according to any of claims 28 to 31, wherein the indication of reception, or failed reception, and the pointer to resources for timing advance update information, are a single message.
34. A method according to claim 333, wherein the single message is a DCI message transmitted on (N)PDCCH.
35. A method according to claim 34, wherein the NDI flag of the DCI message is used to indicate whether the data was successfully received.
36. A method according to claim 34, wherein the DCI message includes an indication whether the data was successfully received.
37. A method according to any of claims 28 to 36, wherein if reception of the data failed, receiving from the eNB an indication of uplink resources for retransmission of the data.
38. A method according to claim 37, wherein the indication of uplink resources comprises a DCI message indicating (N)PUSCH resources.
39. A method according to any of claims 28 to 37, wherein the UE timing advance update information comprises an indication that further PURs allocated for the UE are cancelled.
40. A method according to claim 38, wherein the indication that further PURs allocated for the UE are cancelled comprises a predetermined value of timing advance.
41. A method according to any of claims 38 to 39, wherein a predetermined value of timing advance indicates that the UE should reset its timing advance timer, but not adjust its timing advance.