TW201531139A - Providing a coverage enhanced mode of operation within a wireless network - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and computer program, network node and user equipment for use in a wireless communication network that can support communication with user equipment according to a coverage enhanced communication mode which utilises repetition of some messaging to increase coverage, and according to a non coverage enhanced mode where said some messaging is not repeated. Where a coverage enhanced mode indicator indicating to the user equipment whether the network node is currently operating in the coverage enhanced mode or not, is transmitted to the user equipment in a signal that is transmitted to user equipment that is not currently connected to said network, such that non connected user equipment is aware of the current mode of operation of the network node.

Description

提供無線網路中操作之覆蓋增強模式 Provides coverage enhancement mode for operation in wireless networks

本發明係有關與無線通訊網路的網路節點通訊的用戶設備(user equipment)之領域，且尤係有關提供將重複傳訊用於協助用戶設備與網路通訊之覆蓋增強。 The present invention relates to the field of user equipment for communicating with network nodes of a wireless communication network, and more particularly to providing coverage enhancements for repetitive messaging to assist user equipment and network communications.

無線通訊網路是習知的。在一細胞式系統中，地理區將無線電覆蓋提供給諸如行動電話等的用戶設備。那些無線電覆蓋的地理區被稱為細胞。每一地理區設置有一基地台，以便提供所需的無線電覆蓋。一基地台可支援一個以上的細胞，而提供相同地理區中之覆蓋。一基地台服務的區中之用戶設備自該基地台接收資訊及資料，且將資訊及資料傳輸到該基地台。 Wireless communication networks are well known. In a cellular system, the geographic area provides radio coverage to user equipment such as mobile phones. The geographical areas covered by those radios are called cells. A base station is provided in each geographic area to provide the required radio coverage. A base station can support more than one cell while providing coverage in the same geographic area. The user equipment in the area served by the base station receives information and data from the base station, and transmits the information and data to the base station.

在被稱為下行鏈路載波的無線電載波之通道上進行將資訊及資料自一基地台傳輸到用戶設備。在被稱為上行鏈路載波的無線電載波之上行鏈路通道上進行將資訊及資料自用戶設備傳輸到基地台。 The transmission of information and data from a base station to the user equipment is performed on a channel of a radio carrier called a downlink carrier. The transmission of information and data from the user equipment to the base station is performed on an uplink channel of a radio carrier called an uplink carrier.

某些用戶設備是被一機器用於特定應用之機器類型通訊(Machine Type Communication；MTC)裝置。此種裝置的一個例子是智慧型公用事業儀錶(smart utility meter)。此類裝置可能是無法移動的，且可能被設置在地下室，因而經歷高衰減，使該MTC裝置難以與網路通訊。希望有增強基地台的覆蓋而使其可與此類裝置通訊之某些技術。此外，也希望能夠限制可能由電池供電的此類用戶設備之功率消耗。 Some user equipment is a Machine Type Communication (MTC) device that is used by a machine for a particular application. An example of such a device is a smart utility meter. Such devices may be immovable and may be placed in the basement, thus experiencing high attenuation, making it difficult for the MTC device to communicate with the network. It is desirable to have certain techniques that enhance the coverage of the base station to enable it to communicate with such devices. In addition, it is also desirable to be able to limit the power consumption of such user equipment that may be powered by batteries.

本發明之一第一觀點提供了一種由網路節點執行的將網路連接資訊提供給用戶設備以供連接到無線通訊網路之方法，該無線通訊網路被配置成根據將重複某一傳訊用於增加覆蓋之一覆蓋增強通訊模式且根據不重複該某一傳訊之一非覆蓋增強模式而支援與該用戶設備間之通訊，該方法包含下列步驟：自該網路節點廣播其中包含與該網路有關的資訊之一主要資訊區塊(master information block)；廣播其中包含與如何連接到該網路有關的資訊之系統資訊區塊(system information block)；以及將一覆蓋增強模式指示符以信令通知目前並未被連接到該網路的用戶設備，該覆蓋增強模式指示符向該用戶設備指示該網路節點目前是否正在該覆蓋增強模式中操作。 A first aspect of the present invention provides a method for providing network connection information to a user equipment for connection to a wireless communication network, performed by a network node, the wireless communication network being configured to use for repeating a certain communication Adding one of the coverage coverage enhanced communication modes and supporting communication with the user equipment according to one of the non-coverage enhancement modes of the certain communication, the method comprising the steps of: broadcasting the network included therein from the network node One of the relevant information is a master information block; a system information block containing information about how to connect to the network; and a coverage enhancement mode indicator for signaling Notifying that the user equipment is not currently connected to the network, the coverage enhancement mode indicator indicates to the user equipment whether the network node is currently operating in the coverage enhancement mode.

可能希望有提供有助於被設置在高衰減區中之用戶設備與一無線網路間之通訊的覆蓋增強技術之技術。這些技 術可包括在基地台上實施一種特定通訊技術；例如，多次重複地傳輸訊息，使被設置在低信號滲透區中之用戶設備有多次機會接收、累積、且重新編譯該等訊息。可將此種重複用於增加在高衰減區中提供的覆蓋。同樣地，於傳輸時，用戶設備可重複訊息，而增加基地台能夠將該訊息解碼的可能性。所需重複的次數可能是顯著的，且此種程度的重複對網路的頻譜效率(spectral efficiency)有顯著的影響。 It may be desirable to have techniques for providing coverage enhancement techniques that facilitate communication between user equipment placed in a high attenuation zone and a wireless network. These techniques The technique may include implementing a particular communication technique on the base station; for example, transmitting the message multiple times repeatedly, so that the user equipment placed in the low signal penetration zone has multiple opportunities to receive, accumulate, and recompile the message. This repetition can be used to increase the coverage provided in the high attenuation zone. Similarly, at the time of transmission, the user equipment can repeat the message and increase the likelihood that the base station can decode the message. The number of repetitions required may be significant, and this degree of repetition has a significant impact on the spectral efficiency of the network.

本發明的發明人認知在一覆蓋增強模式中操作的諸如基地台或eNodeB等的網路節點之這些缺點，且了解可能希望限制此類基地台在該模式中之操作的時間。例如，本發明的發明也認知：在用戶設備是以電池供電的情形下，也希望該設備能省電。嘗試連接到一網路且將訊息解碼時，將消耗這些設備的許多電力，且如果用戶設備在該網路節點不處於一覆蓋增強模式時嘗試執行上述步驟，且該用戶設備被設置在高穿透耗損(penetration loss)區，則該設備很可能不會成功，且重複的嘗試將浪費電力。 The inventors of the present invention recognize these shortcomings of network nodes such as base stations or eNodeBs operating in a coverage enhancement mode, and understand the time at which it may be desirable to limit the operation of such base stations in this mode. For example, the invention of the present invention also recognizes that in the case where the user equipment is powered by a battery, it is also desirable that the device can save power. When attempting to connect to a network and decoding the message, a lot of power for these devices will be consumed, and if the user device attempts to perform the above steps when the network node is not in an overlay enhancement mode, and the user device is set to high wear Through the penetration loss zone, the device is likely to be unsuccessful and repeated attempts will waste power.

本發明的發明人藉由在用戶設備縱然並未被連接到該網路時亦可接收且解碼的一信號中提供一覆蓋增強模式指示符，而意圖解決這些相互衝突的問題。就這一點而言，網路節點被配置成傳輸用戶設備並未被連接到該網路時可接收且解碼之某些類型的信號。用戶設備只能在其被連接到該網路時與該網路交換資料，且為了連接該用戶設備及網路節點，將執行其中包括要求及回應之一交握程序 (handshake)，該等要求及回應可讓該網路節點及用戶設備交換與其特性有關的資訊，且可保留隨後可被連接時能夠經由該網路而交換資料之專用通訊通道。 The inventors of the present invention intend to address these conflicting problems by providing a coverage enhancement mode indicator in a signal that the user equipment can receive and decode even when not connected to the network. In this regard, the network node is configured to transmit certain types of signals that the user equipment can receive and decode when not connected to the network. The user equipment can only exchange data with the network when it is connected to the network, and in order to connect the user equipment and the network node, one of the requirements and the response will be executed. (handshake), such requests and responses allow the network node and user equipment to exchange information related to their characteristics, and to retain dedicated communication channels through which data can be exchanged subsequently.

當該用戶設備並未被連接或處於一所謂的閒置模式時，該用戶設備必須仍然能夠接收且解碼某些訊息，使其可交換連接所需的資訊。因此，有可在用戶設備並未被連接到該網路時可被傳送到該用戶設備之某些訊息。這些訊息包括該網路節點向廣播範圍內之所有用戶設備廣播的信號，且這些訊息不需要連接即可接收，而且這些訊息包括向特定用戶設備呼叫之呼叫訊息(paging message)，用以通知網路狀況的可能改變，或指示有該用戶設備的一訊息，因而該用戶設備應連接到該網路。如果覆蓋增強模式的一指示符被包含在這些信號中之一信號，則縱然該用戶設備並未被連接到該網路時，該用戶設備仍然可決定該網路目前是否正在一覆蓋增強模式中操作。 When the user equipment is not connected or in a so-called idle mode, the user equipment must still be able to receive and decode certain messages so that it can exchange the information needed for the connection. Therefore, there are certain messages that can be transmitted to the user device when the user device is not connected to the network. The messages include signals broadcast by the network node to all user equipments in the broadcast range, and the messages are received without connection, and the messages include paging messages addressed to specific user equipments to notify the network. A possible change in the condition of the road, or a message indicating the user equipment, and thus the user equipment should be connected to the network. If an indicator of the coverage enhancement mode is included in one of the signals, the user equipment may still determine whether the network is currently in an overlay enhancement mode even if the user equipment is not connected to the network. operating.

雖然提供該指示符時，增加了系統通常試圖減少的此類信號的負擔，但是提供此種指示時可讓用戶設備知道該網路節點的操作模式，且可讓用戶設備知道該網路節點目前不在一覆蓋增強模式中操作，因而該用戶設備可決定不繼續任何連接嘗試，且可轉變到該用戶設備不被連接且不嘗試連接到該網路的一低功率或休眠模式(dormant mode)。該用戶設備然後可於更晚時再度嘗試連接程序。在此種方式下，該系統受益於在某些時段中關閉了頻譜效率不佳的覆蓋增強模式，且管理了需要此種覆蓋的用戶設 備之可能有的相關電力問題。 While providing the indicator increases the burden of such signals that the system typically attempts to reduce, providing such an indication allows the user equipment to know the mode of operation of the network node and allows the user equipment to know the current state of the network node Not operating in a coverage enhancement mode, the user equipment may decide not to continue any connection attempts and may transition to a low power or dormant mode in which the user equipment is not connected and does not attempt to connect to the network. The user device can then try the connection procedure again later. In this way, the system benefits from the closure of the spectrally inefficient coverage enhancement mode during certain time periods and manages the user settings that require such coverage. There may be related power problems.

在某些實施例中，該覆蓋增強模式指示符包含單一位元。使用單一位元指示該模式時，需要為此目的而在信號中保留一特定位元，且因而有與其相關聯的負擔。然而，該單一位元的使用之優點在於：小量增加了必要的信令量，而且與需要成功地接收且解碼特定序列或樣式的設必比較時，提高了用戶設備能夠接收且解碼資訊的機會。 In some embodiments, the coverage enhancement mode indicator comprises a single bit. When a single bit is used to indicate this mode, a particular bit needs to be reserved in the signal for this purpose, and thus has a burden associated therewith. However, the advantage of the use of this single bit is that a small amount increases the amount of signaling necessary and improves the ability of the user equipment to receive and decode information when compared to the need to successfully receive and decode a particular sequence or pattern. opportunity.

在某些實施例中，該主要資訊區塊包含該覆蓋增強模式指示符。 In some embodiments, the primary information block includes the coverage enhancement mode indicator.

雖然可以一些形式中之任何形式將該覆蓋增強模式指示符傳輸到該用戶設備，但是在某些實施例中，係將該覆蓋增強模式指示符設置在該主要資訊區塊中。該主要資訊區塊是該用戶設備在同步之後的一連接程序中接收的第一段資訊，因而將該覆蓋增強模式指示符包含在該主要資訊區塊可能是有利的，這是因為該用戶設備在該連接程序內迅速地知道該網路節點是否正在覆蓋增強模式中操作，且將迅速地知道其要堅持嘗試連接或進入一休眠模式。在此種方式下，由於該用戶設備不將電力浪費在嘗試傳輸及接收在沒有重複的情形下將無法克服衰減的資訊，所以提高了該系統的效率。就這一點而言，該主要資訊區塊不只是在同步之後將被接收的第一段資訊，而且該主要資訊區塊的大小也有限制，且縱然不在覆蓋增強模式中也相當頻繁地廣播該主要資訊區塊，因而用戶設備通常可成功地接收到該主要資訊區塊，且可採取相應的行動。 While the coverage enhancement mode indicator can be transmitted to the user equipment in any of a number of forms, in some embodiments, the coverage enhancement mode indicator is set in the primary information block. The primary information block is the first piece of information received by the user equipment in a connection procedure after synchronization, and thus it may be advantageous to include the coverage enhancement mode indicator in the primary information block because the user equipment It is quickly known within the linker whether the network node is operating in coverage enhanced mode and will quickly know that it is insisting on attempting to connect or enter a sleep mode. In this manner, the efficiency of the system is improved because the user equipment does not waste power in attempting to transmit and receive information that would not overcome the attenuation without duplication. In this regard, the primary information block is not only the first piece of information to be received after synchronization, but also the size of the primary information block is limited, and the primary is broadcasted quite frequently even in the coverage enhancement mode. The information block, so the user equipment can usually successfully receive the main information block and can take corresponding actions.

在某些情形中，該覆蓋增強模式指示符是該主要資訊區塊內的目前被保留的位元中之一位元。就這一點而言，該主要資訊區塊包含被用於指示與該網路有關的不同狀況之一些位元。目前被保留的數個位元並未被用於任何目的，這是由於為了將該等位元的使用保留給未來的功能增強而造成的對目前使用之偏見。然而，將這些位元中之一位元用於覆蓋增強模式時，將造就具有下列相關聯的優點之較佳的系統：可進行與低信號滲透區中之用戶設備間之通訊，且同時合理地維持了該網路的頻譜效率。 In some cases, the coverage enhancement mode indicator is one of the currently reserved bits within the primary information block. In this regard, the primary information block contains a number of bits that are used to indicate different conditions associated with the network. The number of bits currently reserved is not used for any purpose, as a prejudice against current usage due to the retention of the use of such bits for future enhancements. However, when one of these bits is used in the coverage enhancement mode, a better system with the following associated advantages will be created: communication with user equipment in the low signal penetration zone can be made, and at the same time reasonable The spectrum efficiency of the network is maintained.

在其他實施例中，複數個系統資訊區塊中之一第一系統資訊區塊包含該覆蓋增強模式指示符位元。 In other embodiments, one of the plurality of system information blocks includes the coverage enhancement mode indicator bit.

該覆蓋增強模式的一替代設置位置是系統資訊區塊。就這一點而言，複數個系統資訊區塊被傳送，且該第一系統資訊區塊包含將其他一或多個系統資訊區塊解碼所需之排程資訊。將該覆蓋增強模式指示符放置在該第一系統資訊區塊時，將使其更有可能被解碼，這是因為用戶設備不需要先將另一系統資訊區塊成功地解碼。此外，由於該系統資訊區塊在其他系統資訊區塊之前被接收到，所以將該覆蓋增強模式指示符放置在該區塊時，可使該覆蓋增強模式指示符在交握連接程序中被解碼的時機早於將該指示符放置在另一系統資訊區塊。 An alternative location for the coverage enhancement mode is the system information block. In this regard, a plurality of system information blocks are transmitted, and the first system information block includes scheduling information required to decode other one or more system information blocks. Placing the coverage enhancement mode indicator in the first system information block will make it more likely to be decoded because the user equipment does not need to successfully decode another system information block first. In addition, since the system information block is received before other system information blocks, when the coverage enhancement mode indicator is placed in the block, the coverage enhancement mode indicator can be decoded in the handshake connection program. The timing is earlier than placing the indicator in another system information block.

在某些實施例中，該覆蓋增強模式指示符被設置在該主要資訊區塊以及該等系統資訊區塊的該第一系統資訊區塊中之一資訊區塊中之一預定位置。 In some embodiments, the coverage enhancement mode indicator is set at a predetermined location in the primary information block and one of the information blocks in the first system information block of the system information blocks.

當該覆蓋增強模式指示符是單一位元時，為了使該覆蓋增強模式指示符被解碼，應將該覆蓋增強模式指示符設置在該特定區塊內之一預定位置。 When the coverage enhancement mode indicator is a single bit, in order for the coverage enhancement mode indicator to be decoded, the coverage enhancement mode indicator should be set to a predetermined location within the particular block.

在某些實施例中，該覆蓋增強模式指示符被設置在向用戶設備呼叫的一呼叫訊息中。 In some embodiments, the coverage enhancement mode indicator is set in a call message to the user equipment call.

該網路節點與目前並未被連接的用戶設備通訊之另一方式是使用呼叫訊息，因此，在該訊息內將該覆蓋增強模式指示符傳輸到該用戶設備可能是有利的。在某些實施例中，只在該呼叫訊息中提供該覆蓋增強模式指示符，而在其他實施例中，只在該主要資訊區塊(MIB)或該第一系統資訊區塊(SIB)中提供該覆蓋增強模式指示符。在其他實施例中，在該MIB及該第一SIB中之一資訊區塊中提供該覆蓋增強模式指示符，且額外地在一呼叫訊息中提供該覆蓋增強模式指示符，該呼叫訊息被用於向該用戶設備指示該網路節點上的覆蓋增強模式之任何改變。 Another way for the network node to communicate with user equipment that is not currently connected is to use a call message, so it may be advantageous to transmit the coverage enhancement mode indicator to the user equipment within the message. In some embodiments, the coverage enhancement mode indicator is only provided in the call message, and in other embodiments, only in the primary information block (MIB) or the first system information block (SIB). The coverage enhancement mode indicator is provided. In other embodiments, the coverage enhancement mode indicator is provided in one of the MIB and the first SIB, and the coverage enhancement mode indicator is additionally provided in a call message, and the call message is used. Any changes to the coverage enhancement mode on the network node are indicated to the user equipment.

在某些實施例中，該網路節點將指示該網路節點的一模式改變之一呼叫訊息傳輸到該用戶設備，其中當該模式改變包含切換進入或切換離開該覆蓋增強模式時，該呼叫資訊指示該改變。 In some embodiments, the network node transmits a call message indicating a mode change of the network node to the user equipment, wherein the call is changed when the mode change includes a handover entry or a handover away from the coverage enhancement mode The information indicates the change.

如前文所述，該網路節點將於某些時段處於覆蓋增強模式，且於其他時段不處於覆蓋增強模式，因而，可在連接時將該資訊傳輸到用戶設備，但是該資訊可能改變，因而後來傳輸該更新的資訊使用戶設備持續地得知該網路節點的操作模式可能是有利的。呼叫訊息是傳輸該資訊的一 種便利方式。在某些情形中，可能只經由一呼叫訊息傳輸該資訊，且用戶設備可能在連接時不知道該網路節點的狀態，但是後來在其接收到一呼叫訊息時，將接收到該狀態。 As described above, the network node will be in the coverage enhancement mode for some time periods and not in the coverage enhancement mode at other time periods, and thus the information may be transmitted to the user equipment during the connection, but the information may change. It may be advantageous to later transmit the updated information to enable the user equipment to continuously learn the mode of operation of the network node. The call message is one that transmits the message. A convenient way. In some cases, the information may only be transmitted via a call message, and the user equipment may not know the status of the network node when connected, but will later receive the status when it receives a call message.

就這一點而言，在該系統資訊區塊或主要資訊區塊中之資訊的改變將觸發一呼叫訊息被傳送到用戶設備。當在該系統資訊區塊或主要資訊區塊中廣播該覆蓋增強模式指示符時，該呼叫訊息可被用於向用戶設備指示覆蓋增強模式已改變。傳輸與指示符值的實際改變有關之資訊將是有利的。 In this regard, a change in information in the system information block or primary information block will trigger a call message to be transmitted to the user device. When the coverage enhancement mode indicator is broadcast in the system information block or the primary information block, the call message can be used to indicate to the user equipment that the coverage enhancement mode has changed. It would be advantageous to transmit information relating to actual changes in indicator values.

在某些實施例中，當該覆蓋增強模式被關閉時，該指示包含該覆蓋增強模式要被關閉的時間之一指示。 In some embodiments, when the coverage enhancement mode is turned off, the indication includes an indication of when the coverage enhancement mode is to be turned off.

當該呼叫訊息被用於指示覆蓋增強模式的改變以及該改變是覆蓋增強模式的關閉時，可在該改變發生之前傳輸該改變的指示以及該改變將發生的時間。此種方式將可讓用戶設備在覆蓋增強模式將要被關閉之前知道，且可採取相應的行動。 When the call message is used to indicate a change in the coverage enhancement mode and the change is a closure of the coverage enhancement mode, an indication of the change and the time at which the change will occur may be transmitted before the change occurs. This approach will allow the user device to know before the coverage enhancement mode is about to be turned off, and the corresponding action can be taken.

在某些實施例中，該方法包含下列步驟：在複數個不連續的接收週期中重複地傳輸該呼叫訊息。 In some embodiments, the method includes the steps of repeatedly transmitting the call message in a plurality of discrete receive cycles.

為了讓處於閒置模式或在高衰減區中之用戶設備成功地接收一呼叫訊息，在複數個不連續的接收週期時段中重複地傳輸該呼叫訊息將是有利的。此種方式可讓處於閒置模式的用戶設備接收該資訊。雖然此種方式對於指示何時要開啟覆蓋增強模式特別便利，但是亦可將此種方式用於 指示何時要關閉覆蓋增強模式，這是因為將要嘗試且連接的用戶設備可接收該資訊且決定以後再嘗試且連接。 In order for a user equipment in an idle mode or in a high attenuation zone to successfully receive a call message, it may be advantageous to repeatedly transmit the call message during a plurality of discrete reception cycle periods. This method allows the user equipment in idle mode to receive the information. Although this method is particularly convenient for indicating when to turn on the coverage enhancement mode, it can also be used for this method. Indicates when the coverage enhancement mode is to be turned off because the user equipment that will attempt and connect can receive the information and decide to try and connect later.

在某些實施例中，該方法包含下列步驟：自該非覆蓋增強操作模式切換到覆蓋增強操作模式，且在比一預定時間期間長的一時間期間中停留在該覆蓋增強操作模式中，該預定時間期間被選擇成等於一用戶設備連接再試時間期間。 In some embodiments, the method includes the steps of: switching from the non-coverage enhanced mode of operation to a coverage enhancement mode of operation, and staying in the coverage enhancement mode of operation during a time period longer than a predetermined time period, the predetermined The time period is selected to be equal to a user equipment connection retry time period.

該用戶設備連接再試時間期間可以是配置該系統的方式且儲存在該網路節點內之一特徵。或者，該網路節點本身可改變該用戶設備連接再試時間期間，且將該用戶設備連接再試時間期間以信令通知用戶設備。無論如何，如果該網路節點在長於該時間期間的時間期間中調留在覆蓋增強模式，則在該覆蓋增強模式被開啟之前曾經嘗試連接的用戶設備應在下次嘗試時把握住該覆蓋增強模式。 The user equipment connection retry time period may be a way of configuring the system and storing one of the features within the network node. Alternatively, the network node itself may change the user equipment connection retry time period and connect the user equipment to the retry time period to signal the user equipment. In any event, if the network node is camped in the coverage enhancement mode for a period of time longer than the time period, the user equipment that attempted to connect before the coverage enhancement mode is turned on should grasp the coverage enhancement mode on the next attempt. .

在某些實施例中，該方法包含下列步驟：在至少一預定時間上自該非覆蓋增強操作模式切換到該覆蓋增強操作模式。 In some embodiments, the method includes the step of switching from the non-coverage enhanced mode of operation to the coverage enhancement mode of operation for at least a predetermined time.

提高需要覆蓋增強模式而在適當時間接入該網路的用戶設備的機會之一進一步的方式是設有該網路節點切換到覆蓋增強模式之至少一預定時間。可在該系統中配置該一或多個預定時間，或可將該一或多個預定時間以信令通知用戶設備。如果用戶設備知道該預定時間，則該用戶設備在該時間到了時，若需要接入該網路，則可在該時間切換到現用模式，且嘗試一連接。 One way to increase the chances of requiring coverage of the enhanced mode and accessing the user equipment of the network at the appropriate time is to provide at least a predetermined time for the network node to switch to the coverage enhancement mode. The one or more predetermined times may be configured in the system, or the one or more predetermined times may be signaled to the user equipment. If the user equipment knows the predetermined time, the user equipment needs to access the network when the time is up, and then can switch to the active mode at this time and try a connection.

本發明之一第二觀點提供了一種將網路連接資訊提供給用戶設備以供連接到無線通訊網路之網路節點，該無線通訊網路被配置成根據將重複某些訊息用於增加覆蓋之一覆蓋增強通訊模式且根據不重複該等某些訊息之一非覆蓋增強模式而支援與該用戶設備間之通訊，該網路節點包含：資訊廣播電路，用以廣播其中包含與該網路有關的資訊之一主要資訊區塊以及其中包含與如何連接到該網路有關的資訊之系統資訊區塊；其中該網路節點可操作而藉由將一覆蓋增強模式指示符以信令通知目前並未被連接到該網路的用戶設備，而指示一現行操作模式，該覆蓋增強模式指示符向該用戶設備指示該網路節點目前是否正在該覆蓋增強模式中操作。 A second aspect of the present invention provides a network node for providing network connection information to a user equipment for connection to a wireless communication network, the wireless communication network being configured to use one of the repeated information to increase coverage Covering the enhanced communication mode and supporting communication with the user equipment according to a non-coverage enhancement mode that does not repeat one of the messages, the network node includes: an information broadcast circuit for broadcasting the information related to the network One of the main information blocks and a system information block containing information about how to connect to the network; wherein the network node is operable to signal that a coverage enhancement mode indicator is not currently Connected to the user equipment of the network, indicating an active mode of operation, the coverage enhancement mode indicator indicates to the user equipment whether the network node is currently operating in the coverage enhancement mode.

本發明之一第三觀點提供了一種由用戶設備執行的取得用於連接到無線通訊網路的資訊之方法，該無線通訊網路被配置成根據將重複某一傳訊用於增加覆蓋之一覆蓋增強通訊模式且根據不重複該某一傳訊之一非覆蓋增強模式而支援與該用戶設備間之通訊，該方法包含下列步驟：當處於一非連接模式時，接收用於指示該網路節點目前是否在該覆蓋增強模式中操作之一覆蓋增強模式指示符；以及當該覆蓋增強模式指示符指示該網路節點目前不在該覆蓋增強模式中操作時，自一現用模式切換到一休眠模式。 A third aspect of the present invention provides a method for obtaining information for connecting to a wireless communication network, performed by a user equipment, the wireless communication network being configured to enhance communication based on a coverage that is used to increase coverage And supporting communication with the user equipment according to one of the non-coverage enhancement modes of the certain communication, the method comprising the following steps: when in a non-connected mode, receiving is used to indicate whether the network node is currently One of the operations in the coverage enhancement mode covers the enhanced mode indicator; and switches from an active mode to a sleep mode when the coverage enhanced mode indicator indicates that the network node is not currently operating in the coverage enhanced mode.

當一網路只在某些時間支援覆蓋增強模式時，目前處於閒置模式且為了交換資料而需要覆蓋增強模式之用戶設備可在接收到該覆蓋增強模式指示符時，決定該網路節點 目前是否支援覆蓋增強模式，且若該網路節點目前不支援覆蓋增強模式，則該用戶設備可自一現用模式切換到一休眠模式。該休眠模式是一種用戶設備並未被連接到該網路且該用戶設備並未積極地嘗試連接之模式。該模式通常是一種比該現用模式耗用的功率低之較低功率模式，且因而並未過度使用以電池供電的該裝置之電池電力。請注意，在該休眠模式中，雖然該用戶設備將在被用於與該無線網路通訊的電路中使用較低的功率，但是該用戶設備可能正在執行耗電的其他工作，且因而該用戶設備整體上可能不必然耗用較低的功率。 When a network only supports the coverage enhancement mode at certain times, the user equipment that is currently in the idle mode and needs to cover the enhanced mode in order to exchange data may determine the network node when receiving the coverage enhancement mode indicator. Whether the coverage enhancement mode is currently supported, and if the network node does not currently support the coverage enhancement mode, the user equipment can switch from a live mode to a sleep mode. The sleep mode is a mode in which the user equipment is not connected to the network and the user equipment does not actively attempt to connect. This mode is typically a lower power mode that consumes less power than the active mode, and thus does not overuse the battery power of the device powered by the battery. Note that in this sleep mode, although the user equipment will use lower power in the circuitry used to communicate with the wireless network, the user equipment may be performing other work that consumes power, and thus the user The device may not necessarily consume lower power as a whole.

在某些實施例中，該方法包含下列進一步的步驟：自該網路節點接收資訊，該資訊包含其中包含與該網路有關的資訊之一主要資訊區塊、以及其中包含與如何連接到該網路有關的資訊之至少一系統資訊區塊。 In some embodiments, the method includes the further step of receiving information from the network node, the information including a primary information block containing information related to the network, and how the content is included and connected thereto At least one system information block of network related information.

當連接到該網路時，該用戶設備將接收一主要資訊區塊以及至少一系統資訊區塊。該覆蓋增強模式指示符可以在該主要資訊區塊或第一系統資訊區塊中，且可以是位於一預定位置的一單一位元，因而使該用戶設備直截了當地接收且解碼該信號。亦可在一呼叫訊息中接收該覆蓋增強模式指示符。 When connected to the network, the user equipment will receive a primary information block and at least one system information block. The coverage enhancement mode indicator may be in the primary information block or the first system information block and may be a single bit located at a predetermined location, thereby causing the user equipment to receive and decode the signal directly. The coverage enhancement mode indicator can also be received in a call message.

在某些實施例中，該方法進一步包含下列步驟：在一預定用戶設備連接再試時間期間中停留在該休眠模式中；以及回應該預定用戶設備連接再試時間期間的終止，而切換到該該現用模式，且執行該等接收步驟。 In some embodiments, the method further comprises the steps of: staying in the sleep mode during a predetermined user equipment connection retry time; and switching back to the end of the scheduled user equipment connection retry time, and switching to the active use Mode, and perform the receiving steps.

用戶設備可被配置成：在一預定用戶設備連接再試時間期間中停留在一休眠模式中，且在該時間期間之後切換到該現用模式。下列方式可能是便利的：將該網路節點配置成在比該用戶設備連接再試時間期間長的一期間中停留在該覆蓋增強模式中，因而若該用戶設備於該時間期間處於休眠模式，則該用戶設備於該時間期間終止時將不處於休眠模式，因而可讓該用戶設備不會錯過該覆蓋增強模式期間。 The user equipment can be configured to stay in a sleep mode during a predetermined user equipment connection retry time and switch to the active mode after the time period. It may be convenient to configure the network node to stay in the coverage enhancement mode for a period longer than the user equipment connection retry time, so if the user equipment is in sleep mode during the time, then The user equipment will not be in sleep mode when terminated during the time period, thus allowing the user equipment to not miss the coverage enhancement mode period.

該網路節點及該用戶設備都應該知道該連接再試時間期間，以便使該機制能起作用。該網路節點可將該資訊傳輸到該用戶設備。 Both the network node and the user equipment should be aware of the connection retry time period in order for the mechanism to function. The network node can transmit the information to the user equipment.

在某些實施例中，該方法包含下列進一步的步驟：處於該現用模式的該用戶設備接收用於指示該網路節點正切換到該非覆蓋增強模式之一呼叫訊息，因而該用戶設備切換到該休眠模式而回應該呼叫訊息。 In some embodiments, the method includes the further step of: the user equipment in the active mode receiving a call message indicating that the network node is switching to the non-coverage enhanced mode, and thus the user equipment switches to the Sleep mode and should call the message.

在某些例子中，可將該網路節點正切換到該非覆蓋增強模式之指示以信令通知該用戶設備，且該用戶設備可接收該指示，而且切換到該休眠模式。 In some examples, the network node can be handed over to the indication of the non-coverage enhanced mode to signal the user equipment, and the user equipment can receive the indication and switch to the sleep mode.

在某些實施例中，當該用戶設備處於該休眠模式時，該用戶設備亦可接收用於指示該網路節點正切換到該覆蓋增強模式之一呼叫訊息。在此種情形中，如果該用戶設備有要被傳送到該網路的一訊息，則該用戶設備此時可切換到其現用模式。然而，如果該用戶設備目前不需要與該網路通訊，則該用戶設備將停留在該休眠狀態。 In some embodiments, when the user equipment is in the sleep mode, the user equipment may also receive a call message indicating that the network node is switching to the coverage enhancement mode. In this case, if the user equipment has a message to be transmitted to the network, the user equipment can now switch to its active mode. However, if the user equipment does not currently need to communicate with the network, the user equipment will remain in the sleep state.

在某些實施例中，該方法包含下列步驟：在接收到用於指示該網路節點正在該覆蓋增強模式中操作的該覆蓋增強模式指示符之後，啟動一計時器；以及在一預定時間中嘗試接收且解碼該網路節點傳輸的一組複數個系統資訊區塊，且若經過該預定時間之後尚未將該複數個系統資訊區塊成功地解碼，則切換到該休眠模式。 In some embodiments, the method includes the steps of: initiating a timer after receiving the coverage enhancement mode indicator for indicating that the network node is operating in the coverage enhancement mode; and in a predetermined time An attempt is made to receive and decode a set of a plurality of system information blocks transmitted by the network node, and if the plurality of system information blocks have not been successfully decoded after the predetermined time, switch to the sleep mode.

限制該用戶設備嘗試連接到一網路的時間可能是便利的，這是因為該網路可能不處於覆蓋增強模式，縱然該用戶設備可能不知道此種情況。因此，在開始嘗試連接時設定一計時器可能是便利的，且若該用戶設備在一預定期間內無法成功地連接，則切換到休眠模式，且以後再嘗試。 It may be convenient to limit the time that the user equipment attempts to connect to a network because the network may not be in coverage enhancement mode, even though the user equipment may not be aware of this. Therefore, it may be convenient to set a timer when starting to attempt a connection, and if the user equipment cannot successfully connect for a predetermined period of time, switch to sleep mode and try again later.

本發明之一第四觀點提供了一種經由無線通訊網路而通訊之用戶設備，該無線通訊網路被配置成根據將重複某一傳訊用於增加覆蓋之一覆蓋增強通訊模式且根據不重複該某一傳訊之一非覆蓋增強模式而支援與該用戶設備間之通訊，該用戶設備包含：資訊接收電路，該資訊接收電路可操作而接收用於指示該網路節點目前是否在該覆蓋增強模式中操作之一覆蓋增強模式指示符；以及控制電路，該控制電路被配置成：當在被傳輸到目前並未被連接到該網路的用戶設備的一信號中之該被接收之覆蓋增強模式指示符指示該網路節點目前不在該覆蓋增強模式中操作時，將該用戶設備自一現用模式切換到一休眠模式。 A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a user equipment that communicates via a wireless communication network, the wireless communication network being configured to enhance a communication mode according to one of repeating a certain communication for increasing coverage, and according to not repeating the certain One of the communication non-coverage enhancement modes supports communication with the user equipment, the user equipment comprising: an information receiving circuit operable to receive to indicate whether the network node is currently operating in the coverage enhancement mode One of the coverage enhancement mode indicators; and a control circuit configured to: the received coverage enhancement mode indicator when transmitted to a signal of a user equipment that is not currently connected to the network When the network node is instructed not to operate in the coverage enhancement mode, the user equipment is switched from an active mode to a sleep mode.

本發明之一第五觀點提供了一種電腦程式，該電腦程式被配置成控制一資料處理設備執行根據本發明的第一觀 點或第三觀點之一方法。 A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a computer program configured to control a data processing device to perform a first view according to the present invention One of the methods of point or third point.

在某些實施例中，該覆蓋增強指示符是該第一系統資訊區塊或主要資訊區塊內之模式的一簡單指示符，且不提供該覆蓋增強模式或非覆蓋增強模式的開始或終止時間之指示，而在其他替代實施例中，該覆蓋增強指示符是其中包括該資訊的一樣式。 In some embodiments, the coverage enhancement indicator is a simple indicator of a mode within the first system information block or primary information block and does not provide for the start or end of the coverage enhancement mode or the non-cover enhancement mode An indication of time, while in other alternative embodiments, the coverage enhancement indicator is a style in which the information is included.

一第一技術提供了一種控制無線通訊網路中之用戶設備操作之方法，該無線通訊網路被配置成根據將重複傳訊用於保證該用戶設備可與該網路通訊之一通訊模式而支援與該用戶設備間之通訊，其中係在該網路的操作期間中之被選擇的時間上實施該通訊模式，該方法包含下列步驟：決定一現行通訊操作模式預定要終止的一終止時間、以及一未來通訊操作模式預定要開始的一開始時間；以及於該現行通訊操作模式期間將該終止時間及該開始時間之一指示傳送到該用戶設備。 A first technique provides a method of controlling operation of a user equipment in a wireless communication network, the wireless communication network being configured to support the communication mode based on a communication mode used to ensure that the user equipment can communicate with the network Communication between user equipment, wherein the communication mode is implemented at a selected time during operation of the network, the method comprising the steps of: determining an end time for which an active communication mode of operation is scheduled to terminate, and a future The communication operation mode is scheduled to begin a start time; and the end time and one of the start time indications are transmitted to the user equipment during the current communication operation mode.

該第一技術認知在將用戶設備部署在一網路內時可能發生一問題：用戶設備可能被部署在有極高衰減的區域。此種高衰減可能導致用戶設備無法將對於能夠接取適當的下行鏈路訊務可能是不可或缺的下行鏈路資訊解碼。如果用戶設備被部署在此種高衰減區域，則該用戶設備實際上可能無法自一基地台接收訊務。 This first technique recognizes that a problem may arise when a user equipment is deployed in a network: the user equipment may be deployed in an area with extremely high attenuation. Such high attenuation may result in the user equipment not being able to decode downlink information that may be indispensable for being able to receive the appropriate downlink traffic. If the user equipment is deployed in such a high attenuation area, the user equipment may not actually receive the traffic from a base station.

該第一技術認知：存在了將資訊提供給處於高衰減部署的用戶設備之技術。該第一技術也認知：已有一種被安裝之後往往不再移動之新興類型的用戶設備(例如，可被 用於智慧型電錶(smart meter)之機器類型通訊裝置)，且因而雖然行動用戶設備可能只是發現其被設置在高衰減區時是不方便的，但是當該用戶設備移到一較低衰減區時仍然可恢復覆蓋，然而此種固定的用戶設備可能被永久性地設置在一高衰減區，且可能無法將網路覆蓋提供給那些用戶。 This first technology recognizes that there is a technology for providing information to user equipment in a highly attenuated deployment. The first technique also recognizes that there is an emerging type of user equipment that is often no longer mobile after being installed (eg, can be a machine type communication device for a smart meter), and thus although the mobile user equipment may only find it inconvenient when placed in a high attenuation zone, when the user equipment moves to a lower attenuation zone Coverage can still be restored, however such fixed user equipment may be permanently placed in a high attenuation zone and network coverage may not be available to those users.

可對被設置在高衰減區的用戶設備保證有某種形式的通訊之技術通常包含諸如在基地台上實施不同的通訊技術；例如，多次重複地傳輸單一訊息，使被設置在高衰減區的用戶設備有機會接收且重新編譯該訊息。換言之，藉由重複傳輸一訊息，用戶設備可操作而結合連續的重複，以便增加可將一訊息解碼的可能性。可將此種重複用於增加在高衰減區中提供的覆蓋。 Techniques for ensuring that some form of communication is provided to user equipment placed in a high attenuation zone typically include, for example, implementing different communication techniques on the base station; for example, repeatedly transmitting a single message multiple times to be placed in a high attenuation region The user device has the opportunity to receive and recompile the message. In other words, by repeatedly transmitting a message, the user equipment is operable to combine successive repetitions in order to increase the likelihood that a message can be decoded. This repetition can be used to increase the coverage provided in the high attenuation zone.

機器類型通訊(MTC)裝置是一種被機器用於特定操作之用戶設備。此種MTC裝置的一個例子是智慧型公用事業儀錶。如前文所述，某些此類裝置可能被設置在特別高衰減區；例如，被設置在有高穿透耗損的地下室。那些MTC裝置因而可能難以與一網路通訊。覆蓋增強技術之目標在於將被提供給此類MTC用戶設備的覆蓋延伸大約15分貝。此種覆蓋增強式用戶設備被稱為覆蓋增強式機器類型通訊用戶設備(Coverage Enhanced MTC UE；簡稱CE-MTC UE)。為了將覆蓋延伸到此類用戶設備，該網路必須可在不延伸基地台(例如，eNode B)的總傳輸功率或用戶設備的總傳輸功率之情形下操作。已將重複確認為 主要的方法。換言之，重複代表一種將覆蓋延伸到特別高衰減區中之用戶設備的方式。所需重複的次數是顯著的，且可能有數百次重複。此種程度的重複對網路的頻譜效率有顯著的影響。我們應可了解：網路必須提供重複的系統資訊廣播訊息(SIBs)，且必須在覆蓋延伸模式中操作時保留額外的隨機存取通道(RACH)資源。 A Machine Type Communication (MTC) device is a user device that is used by a machine for a particular operation. An example of such an MTC device is a smart utility meter. As mentioned previously, some of these devices may be placed in particularly high attenuation zones; for example, in a basement with high penetration loss. Those MTC devices may thus be difficult to communicate with a network. The goal of coverage enhancement techniques is to extend the coverage provided to such MTC user equipment by approximately 15 decibels. Such a coverage enhanced user equipment is called a Coverage Enhanced MTC UE (CE-MTC UE for short). In order to extend the coverage to such user equipment, the network must be operable without extending the total transmission power of the base station (e.g., eNode B) or the total transmission power of the user equipment. Repeated confirmation as The main method. In other words, repetition represents a way of extending the coverage to user equipment in a particularly high attenuation zone. The number of repetitions required is significant and there may be hundreds of iterations. This level of repetition has a significant impact on the spectral efficiency of the network. We should be aware that the network must provide duplicate System Information Broadcast Messages (SIBs) and must retain additional Random Access Channel (RACH) resources when operating in Coverage Extended Mode.

該第一技術認知：可以只於某些時間部署被用於與高衰減用戶設備通訊之技術。換言之，可能無法持續不斷地支援高衰減區中之用戶設備，或者此種支援意味著非常沒有效率的網路使用。 This first technique recognizes that techniques used to communicate with highly attenuating user equipment can be deployed only at certain times. In other words, user equipment in high-attenuation areas may not be continuously supported, or such support means very inefficient network usage.

該第一技術認知：網路將不會總是處於覆蓋延伸或覆蓋增強模式，且網路只於低用戶流量期間在覆蓋增強模式中操作可能是有利的。該第一技術認知：當一網路不在一覆蓋增強模式中操作時時，可能以其他方式無法接收到信號且只能在覆蓋增強期間接收到信號的用戶設備可藉由在一休眠或斷電模式中操作而省電。 This first technique recognizes that the network will not always be in coverage extension or coverage enhancement mode, and that it may be advantageous for the network to operate in coverage enhancement mode only during low user traffic. The first technique recognizes that when a network is not operating in a coverage enhancement mode, a user equipment that may otherwise be unable to receive a signal and can only receive a signal during coverage enhancement may be in a sleep or power down state Operates in mode to save power.

該第一技術認知：當該網路正在一正常操作模式中操作時，被永久設置在經歷高衰減的一位置之一被適當選擇的用戶設備可藉由進入半斷電或休眠模式(dormant mode)而省電。換言之，預期一網路將只可操作而利用諸如半夜等的非繁忙時段適當地服務覆蓋增強式MTC用戶設備，而避免影響到提供給正常用戶設備的服務。因此，基地台(例如，eNode B)可在下列兩種模式中操作：正常模式及覆蓋增強模式。一些技術及實施例可提供一種在 正常模式與覆蓋增強模式之間切換的用於網路及用戶設備之裝置。 The first technique recognizes that when the network is operating in a normal mode of operation, the user equipment that is permanently set to one of the locations that experience high attenuation is appropriately selected to enter a semi-power down or sleep mode (dormant mode) ) and save electricity. In other words, it is expected that a network will only be operable to adequately cover an enhanced MTC user equipment with a non-busy time period such as midnight, while avoiding affecting services provided to normal user equipment. Thus, a base station (e.g., eNode B) can operate in two modes: normal mode and coverage enhanced mode. Some techniques and embodiments may provide an A device for network and user equipment that switches between normal mode and coverage enhancement mode.

在一技術中，該終止時間及該開始時間之該指示包含該通訊操作模式的重複週期樣式(periodic pattern)之一指示。因此，為了支援在高衰減位置的MTC-UE而實施之該等操作模式可以是實質上週期性的。尤其可在每一天的相同低活動時段(例如，每一天的相同持續時間)中實施一增強操作模式。因此，開始及終止時間之指示可包含諸如接通期間(on period)之一指示、以及各接通期間之間的經過時間(elapsed time)之一指示。 In one technique, the indication of the end time and the start time includes an indication of a periodic pattern of the communication mode of operation. Thus, the modes of operation implemented to support the MTC-UE at high attenuation locations may be substantially periodic. In particular, an enhanced mode of operation can be implemented in the same low activity period of each day (e.g., the same duration of each day). Thus, the indication of the start and end times may include an indication such as one of the on periods and one of the elapsed times between the respective on periods.

在一技術中，一未來通訊操作模式預定要開始的該開始時間包含次一通訊操作模式之開始時間。在某些技術中，一網路控制節點可以只能夠決定其預期的次一預期"接通"期間，而不是根據一已知週期樣式而操作。因此，以可能可以建立與一網路間之通訊的下一時間的一指示提供給高衰減區中之用戶設備可能是適當的，因而該用戶設備可採取適當的行動而準備好在該時間通訊。 In one technique, the start time at which a future communication mode of operation is scheduled to begin includes the start time of the next communication mode of operation. In some techniques, a network control node may only be able to determine its expected next expected "on" period, rather than operating according to a known periodic pattern. Therefore, it may be appropriate to provide an indication of the next time that communication with a network may be established to the user equipment in the high attenuation zone so that the user equipment can take appropriate action to be ready to communicate at that time. .

在一替代中，將該終止時間及該開始時間之一指示傳送到該用戶設備之該步驟包含下列步驟：以一系統資訊區塊(System Information Block；簡稱SIB)訊息之形式傳輸該開始及終止時間。在另一替代中，可將一MIB訊息用於將該開始及終止時間傳遞到用戶設備。因此，藉由提供一適當的廣播訊息，可將能夠與一網路通訊的另一時間通知為了與該網路通訊而操作的所有用戶設備。其他的替 代包含：以不指示開始及終止時間的這些區塊內之模式的簡單指示符之形式傳輸該覆蓋增強指示符。因此，因為預期CE-MTC用戶設備可能關機或處於各操作期間之間的一休眠狀態，所以那些用戶設備在首次連接到一網路時，通常將必須操作而達到同步。為了達到此種同步，那些用戶設備在一eNode B於覆蓋增強模式中操作期間首次被喚醒時，必須讀取MIB及SIB。因此，用戶設備在一覆蓋增強期間首次開始進行操作時，可取得一更新的覆蓋增強樣式。可更新一SIB或MIB，而將該樣式傳送到用戶設備。根據某些觀點及技術，我們應可了解：在一覆蓋增強期間或覆蓋增強操作模式期間，將不可能改變SIB或MIB中指示的被選擇之覆蓋增強樣式。 In an alternative, the step of transmitting the end time and the start time to the user equipment comprises the steps of: transmitting the start and end in the form of a System Information Block (SIB) message. time. In another alternative, a MIB message can be used to communicate the start and end times to the user equipment. Thus, by providing an appropriate broadcast message, another user capable of communicating with a network can be notified of all user equipment operating in communication with the network. Other replacement Generation includes: transmitting the coverage enhancement indicator in the form of a simple indicator of modes within the blocks that do not indicate start and end times. Therefore, because the CE-MTC user equipment is expected to be shut down or in a sleep state between operations, those user equipments will typically have to operate to synchronize when first connected to a network. In order to achieve such synchronization, those user equipments must read the MIB and SIB when they are first woken up during operation of the eNode B in the coverage enhancement mode. Therefore, when the user equipment starts operating for the first time during coverage enhancement, an updated coverage enhancement pattern can be obtained. An SIB or MIB can be updated and the style is transmitted to the user device. Based on certain perspectives and techniques, it should be appreciated that during a coverage enhancement or coverage enhancement mode of operation, it will not be possible to change the selected coverage enhancement pattern indicated in the SIB or MIB.

在一技術中，將該終止時間及該開始時間之一指示傳送到該用戶設備之該步驟包含下列步驟：以專用傳訊方式將該開始及終止時間傳輸到該用戶設備。該技術可讓一網路將某些用戶設備排程成使用不同的覆蓋增強期間而操作。例如，一eNode B可操作而將在覆蓋增強模式中操作之一半的用戶設備排程成於每一覆蓋增強期間中操作，而另一半的那些用戶設備可於每一其他覆蓋增強期間中操作。被傳送到用戶設備的直接訊息可取代在一SIB或MIB中廣播的覆蓋增強樣式訊息。 In one technique, the step of transmitting the end time and one of the start times to the user equipment includes the step of transmitting the start and end times to the user equipment in a dedicated manner. This technology allows a network to schedule certain user devices to operate with different coverage enhancement periods. For example, an eNode B is operable to schedule user equipment operating in one of the coverage enhancement modes to operate in each coverage enhancement period, while those of the other half are operable in each of the other coverage enhancement periods. The direct message transmitted to the user equipment can replace the coverage enhancement style message broadcast in an SIB or MIB.

一第二技術提供了一種電腦程式產品，該電腦程式產品可操作而在一電腦中被執行時，將執行該第一技術之該方法。 A second technique provides a computer program product that, when operated in a computer, performs the method of the first technique.

一第三技術提供了一種可操作而控制無線通訊網路中之用戶設備操作之網路控制節點，該無線通訊網路被配置成根據將重複傳訊用於保證該用戶設備可與該網路通訊之一通訊模式而支援與該用戶設備間之通訊，其中係在該網路的操作期間中之被選擇的時間上實施該通訊模式，該網路控制節點包含：操作模式決定邏輯，該操作模式決定邏輯可操作而決定一現行通訊操作模式預定要終止的一終止時間、以及一未來通訊操作模式預定要開始的一開始時間；以及通訊邏輯，該通訊邏輯可操作而於該現行通訊操作模式期間將該終止時間及該開始時間之一指示傳送到該用戶設備。 A third technique provides a network control node operable to control operation of user equipment in a wireless communication network, the wireless communication network being configured to ensure that the user equipment can communicate with the network based on the repeated communication The communication mode supports communication with the user equipment, wherein the communication mode is implemented at a selected time during operation of the network, the network control node includes: operation mode decision logic, the operation mode decision logic Operable to determine an end time for which an active communication mode of operation is scheduled to terminate, and a start time for which a future communication mode of operation is scheduled to begin; and communication logic operable to be used during the current mode of communication operation The termination time and one of the start times are indicated to be transmitted to the user equipment.

在一技術中，該終止時間及該開始時間之該指示包含通訊操作模式的重複週期樣式之一指示。 In one technique, the indication of the end time and the start time includes an indication of one of the repeating periodic patterns of the communication mode of operation.

在一技術中，一未來通訊操作模式預定要開始的該開始時間包含次一通訊操作模式之開始時間。 In one technique, the start time at which a future communication mode of operation is scheduled to begin includes the start time of the next communication mode of operation.

在一技術中，該通訊邏輯可操作而藉由以一系統資訊區塊(SIB)訊息之形式傳輸該開始及終止時間，而將該終止時間及該開始時間之一指示傳送到該用戶設備。 In one technique, the communication logic is operable to transmit the start and end times in the form of a System Information Block (SIB) message, and to communicate the end time and one of the start time indications to the user equipment.

在一技術中，該通訊邏輯可操作而藉由以專用傳訊方式將該開始及終止時間傳輸到該用戶設備，而將該終止時間及該開始時間之一指示傳送到該用戶設備。 In one technique, the communication logic is operable to transmit the start and end times to the user equipment in a dedicated manner, and to communicate the end time and one of the start times to the user equipment.

一第四技術提供了一種控制無線通訊網路中之用戶設備操作的睡眠期間之方法，該無線通訊網路被配置成根據將重複傳訊用於保證該用戶設備可與該網路通訊之一通訊 模式而支援與該用戶設備間之通訊，其中係在該網路的操作期間中之被選擇的時間上實施該通訊模式，該方法包含下列步驟：決定一現行通訊操作模式預定要終止的一終止時間之一指示、以及一未來通訊操作模式預定要開始的一開始時間之一指示；以及實施將在該終止時間與該開始時間之間發生的一睡眠期間。 A fourth technique provides a method of controlling a sleep period during operation of a user equipment in a wireless communication network, the wireless communication network being configured to ensure that the user equipment can communicate with the network communication based on the repeated communication The mode supports communication with the user equipment, wherein the communication mode is implemented at a selected time during operation of the network, the method comprising the steps of: determining a termination to be terminated by an active communication mode of operation One of the indications of time, and one of a start time for which a future communication mode of operation is scheduled to begin; and an implementation of a sleep period that will occur between the end time and the start time.

在一技術中，該決定步驟包含下列步驟：查詢一預配置開始時間；以及實施將在一現在時間與該預配置開始時間之間發生的一睡眠期間。因此，當首次在一網路內部署CE-MTC用戶設備時，可配置一初始覆蓋增強樣式。該技術可讓覆蓋增強式MTC用戶設備以一種保證該用戶設備能夠在一覆蓋增強操作期間與一eNode B通訊之方式首次被喚醒。根據一技術，可為每一CE-MTC用戶設備界定一備用覆蓋增強樣式(fallback coverage enhancement pattern)。在高衰減區中之用戶設備可能錯過一覆蓋增強期間(例如，由於電池故障或停電)，且因而遺漏了與一後續被排程的覆蓋延伸期間有關之資訊。在此種情形中，可利用一備用覆蓋增強期間，以便覆蓋增強式MTC用戶設備可操作而使其重新同步，且因而找到一更新的覆蓋增強期間。在此種情形中，一eNode B通常被配置成知道該被排程的備用覆蓋增強期間。該備用期間可諸如包含一天中之一特定時段。在某些技術中，一備用覆蓋增強期間可以是根據替代技術而設定的一初始覆蓋增強期間。 In one technique, the determining step includes the steps of: querying a pre-configured start time; and implementing a sleep period that will occur between a current time and the pre-configured start time. Therefore, when the CE-MTC user equipment is deployed in a network for the first time, an initial coverage enhancement style can be configured. This technique allows the coverage enhanced MTC user equipment to be woken up for the first time in a manner that ensures that the user equipment can communicate with an eNode B during a coverage enhancement operation. According to a technique, a fallback coverage enhancement pattern can be defined for each CE-MTC user equipment. The user equipment in the high attenuation zone may miss a coverage enhancement period (eg, due to a battery failure or power outage) and thus miss information related to a subsequent scheduled coverage extension period. In such a case, an alternate coverage enhancement period may be utilized to cover the enhanced MTC user equipment operable to resynchronize and thereby find an updated coverage enhancement period. In this case, an eNode B is typically configured to know the scheduled spare coverage enhancement period. The standby period may include, for example, a particular time of day. In some techniques, an alternate coverage enhancement period may be an initial coverage enhancement period set according to an alternate technique.

在一技術中，該決定步驟包含下列步驟：接收其中包 括該終止時間及該開始時間的一指示之一廣播訊息。 In a technique, the determining step comprises the steps of: receiving a packet therein A broadcast message including one of the end time and an indication of the start time.

在一技術中，該決定步驟包含下列步驟：接收其中包括該終止時間及該開始時間的一指示之一專用訊息。 In one technique, the determining step includes the step of receiving a dedicated message including an indication of the end time and the start time.

根據進一步的技術，用戶設備可操作而持續地監視SIBs，以便識別一覆蓋增強模式的開始。此種情況可容許較短且有彈性的延遲，而可與覆蓋增強式MTC裝置通訊。此種情況可被用於沒有覆蓋增強樣式的特定知識之用戶設備、或不要求額外的電池電力節省之用戶設備。 According to a further technique, the user equipment is operable to continuously monitor the SIBs in order to identify the beginning of a coverage enhancement mode. This situation allows for a shorter and resilient delay to communicate with the coverage enhanced MTC device. Such a situation can be used for user equipment that does not cover the specific knowledge of the enhanced style, or user equipment that does not require additional battery power savings.

在一技術中，該用戶設備可操作而在該開始時間的一虛擬隨機時段之後開始被喚醒。根據某些技術，可將對覆蓋增強式MTC用戶設備之喚醒設定成使該喚醒發生在一已知覆蓋增強操作期間開始的一虛擬隨機時段之後。此種實施方式可避免所有的覆蓋增強式MTC裝置在相同的時間被喚醒且嘗試同時連接到該網路，因而可避免該網路的超載。 In one technique, the user equipment is operable to begin to wake up after a virtual random time period of the start time. According to some techniques, the wake-up of the coverage enhanced MTC user equipment may be set such that the wake-up occurs after a virtual random time period that begins during a known coverage enhancement operation. Such an embodiment avoids that all coverage enhanced MTC devices are woken up at the same time and attempt to connect to the network at the same time, thereby avoiding overloading of the network.

一第五技術提供了一種電腦程式產品，該電腦程式產品可操作而在一電腦中被執行時，將執行該第四技術之該方法。 A fifth technique provides a computer program product that, when operated in a computer, performs the method of the fourth technique.

一第六技術提供了一種用戶設備，該用戶設備可操作而控制一無線通訊網路中之該用戶設備的睡眠期間，該無線通訊網路被配置成根據將重複傳訊用於保證該用戶設備可與該網路通訊之一通訊模式而支援與該用戶設備間之通訊，其中係在該網路的操作期間中之被選擇的時間上實施該通訊模式，該用戶設備包含：決定邏輯，該決定邏輯可 操作而接收一現行通訊操作模式預定要終止的一終止時間之一指示、以及一未來通訊操作模式預定要開始的一開始時間之一指示；以及睡眠邏輯，該睡眠邏輯可操作而實施將在該終止時間與該開始時間之間發生的一睡眠期間。 A sixth technique provides a user equipment operable to control a sleep period of a user equipment in a wireless communication network, the wireless communication network being configured to ensure that the user equipment is One of the network communication modes supports communication with the user equipment, wherein the communication mode is implemented at a selected time during operation of the network, the user equipment comprising: decision logic, the decision logic Operating to receive an indication of an end time of a current communication mode of operation scheduled to terminate, and an indication of a start time for which a future communication mode of operation is scheduled to begin; and sleep logic operable to implement the A sleep period that occurs between the end time and the start time.

在一技術中，該決定步驟包含下列步驟：查詢一預配置開始時間；以及實施將在一現在時間與該預配置開始時間之間發生的一睡眠期間。 In one technique, the determining step includes the steps of: querying a pre-configured start time; and implementing a sleep period that will occur between a current time and the pre-configured start time.

在一技術中，該決定步驟包含下列步驟：接收其中包括該終止時間及該開始時間的一指示之一廣播訊息。 In one technique, the determining step includes the step of receiving a broadcast message including an indication of the end time and the start time.

在一技術中，該決定步驟包含下列步驟：接收其中包括該終止時間及該開始時間的一指示之一專用訊息。 In one technique, the determining step includes the step of receiving a dedicated message including an indication of the end time and the start time.

在一技術中，該用戶設備可操作而在該開始時間的一虛擬隨機時段之後開始被喚醒。 In one technique, the user equipment is operable to begin to wake up after a virtual random time period of the start time.

伴隨的申請專利範圍獨立項及附屬項述及了進一步的特定及較佳觀點。可在適當時將該等申請專利範圍附屬項之特徵與該等申請專利範圍獨立項之特徵合併，且可將該等特徵與該等申請專利範圍中明確述及的那些特徵以外之特徵組合。 The accompanying patent application scope and sub-items describe further specific and preferred views. The features of the subject matter of the claims are to be combined with the features of the individual items of the scope of the claims, and the features may be combined with those other than those specifically recited in the scope of the claims.

當將一裝置特徵描述為可操作而提供一功能時，我們應可了解：本發明包含提供該功能或適應於或被配置成提供該功能之一裝置特徵。 When a device feature is described as being operable to provide a function, it should be appreciated that the present invention includes device features that provide the functionality or that are adapted or configured to provide the functionality.

20‧‧‧基地台 20‧‧‧Base Station

22‧‧‧通訊電路 22‧‧‧Communication circuit

24、53‧‧‧控制電路 24, 53‧‧‧ control circuit

26、55‧‧‧計時器 26, 55‧ ‧ timer

28、56‧‧‧資料儲存庫 28, 56‧‧‧ data repository

50‧‧‧用戶設備 50‧‧‧User equipment

52‧‧‧接收電路 52‧‧‧ receiving circuit

51‧‧‧傳輸電路 51‧‧‧Transmission circuit

前文中已參照各附圖而進一步說明了本發明之實施 例，在該等附圖中：第1圖示出根據本發明的一實施例的包含一網路節點及一用戶設備之一網路；第2圖示出由一網路節點執行的一方法中之步驟之一流程圖，該方法係用於在該網路節點於覆蓋增強模式與非覆蓋增強模式之間切換時向一用戶設備指示該覆蓋增強模式或該非覆蓋增強模式；第3圖示出由一網路節點執行的用於向一用戶設備指示覆蓋增強模式或非覆蓋增強模式的一方法中之步驟之一流程圖；第4圖示出根據本發明的一實施例而由一用戶設備執行的一方法之步驟之一流程圖；第5圖示出連接到在覆蓋增強模式中操作的一網路的一用戶設備之時間流；第6圖以示意圖示出能夠實施覆蓋增強之一網路部署；第7圖以示意圖示出能夠實施覆蓋增強模式的一基地台之操作；以及第8及9圖以示意圖示出根據一技術而由一基地台(例如，一eNode B)實施的覆蓋增強模式。 The implementation of the present invention has been further described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. For example, in the drawings: FIG. 1 illustrates a network including a network node and a user equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 2 illustrates a method performed by a network node. One of the steps in the flowchart, the method is used to indicate the coverage enhancement mode or the non-coverage enhancement mode to a user equipment when the network node switches between the coverage enhancement mode and the non-coverage enhancement mode; A flow chart of one of the steps performed by a network node for indicating a coverage enhancement mode or a non-coverage enhancement mode to a user equipment; FIG. 4 illustrates a user by a user in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention A flow chart of one of the steps of a method performed by the device; FIG. 5 shows a time flow of a user equipment connected to a network operating in the coverage enhancement mode; FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the implementation of coverage enhancement a network deployment; FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of a base station capable of implementing coverage enhancement mode; and FIGS. 8 and 9 are schematic diagrams showing a base station (eg, an eNode B according to a technique) Implementation coverage enhancement Style.

在更詳細地說明該等實施例之前，將先提供一概觀。如前文所述，部署某些類型之用戶設備的一困難處在於那 些用戶設備被設置在有高耗損的區域；例如，由於那些用戶設備在建築物內之位置而有高穿透耗損。因此，那些用戶設備難以與一網路通訊。此種用戶設備的一個例子是通常被諸如智慧型公用事業儀錶等的機器類型通訊裝置。某些此類智慧型公用事業儀錶可能被設置在無線電信號有高衰減的地下室或其他區域。我們應可了解：這些類型的用戶設備是實質上靜態的，且不可能移動到有較低衰減的區域。那些智慧型公用事業儀錶中之某些智慧型公用事業儀錶以一種希望將那些裝置的覆蓋延伸諸如15分貝等的特定量之方式操作。根據某些網路之操作，基地台可操作而可在低網路流量的期間執行一特殊操作模式。被稱為覆蓋增強的該特殊操作模式是以下列方式操作：多次重複被傳送到高衰減區中之用戶的訊息。尤其可在一下行鏈路傳輸通道的一無線訊框內多次重複某些訊息。重複傳訊使來自連續的重複之能量及資訊可被結合，而增加用戶設備能夠將該訊息中所含的資訊解碼的可能性。然而，為了實現極高穿透耗損區中之覆蓋，一無線訊框的此種重複程度可能耗用了該無線訊框的40毫秒時段中之幾乎全部資源，而尤其對於窄頻寬載波而言，該40毫秒時段原本必須用於傳輸諸如主要資訊區塊。 Before describing these embodiments in more detail, an overview will be provided first. As mentioned earlier, one difficulty in deploying certain types of user devices is that These user equipments are placed in areas with high losses; for example, high penetration losses due to the location of those user equipment within the building. Therefore, those user devices are difficult to communicate with a network. An example of such a user equipment is a machine type communication device that is typically used, such as a smart utility meter. Some of these smart utility meters may be placed in basements or other areas where radio signals are highly attenuated. We should be aware that these types of user equipment are essentially static and cannot be moved to areas with lower attenuation. Some of the smart utility meters in those smart utility meters operate in a manner that desires to extend the coverage of those devices by a certain amount, such as 15 decibels. Depending on the operation of certain networks, the base station is operable to perform a special mode of operation during periods of low network traffic. This particular mode of operation, referred to as coverage enhancement, operates in the following manner: multiple repetitions of messages transmitted to users in the high attenuation zone. In particular, certain messages may be repeated multiple times within a radio frame of a downlink transmission channel. Repeated messaging allows energy and information from successive iterations to be combined, increasing the likelihood that the user device can decode the information contained in the message. However, in order to achieve coverage in extremely high penetration loss zones, such repetition of a radio frame may consume almost all of the 40 millisecond period of the radio frame, especially for narrow bandwidth carriers. The 40 millisecond period would have to be used to transmit such information as the main information block.

第6圖以示意圖示出能夠操作一正常覆蓋模式及所謂的"覆蓋增強"模式之一基地台(在該例子中為一eNode B)。圖中示出存在於該eNode B的覆蓋區內之一些機器類型通訊用戶設備。如圖所示，那些機器類型通訊用戶設 備中之兩個機器類型通訊用戶設備MTC UE₁及MTC UE₂係在該eNode B提供的一正常細胞覆蓋區內操作。兩個另外的用戶設備CE-MTC₁及CE-MTC₂只能夠在該eNode B於覆蓋增強模式中操作時與該eNode B通訊。換言之，那些用戶設備所在的位置之無線電狀況是：那些用戶設備只有在該eNode B上實施一重複通訊模式時才能成功地自該eNode B接收傳訊。我們應可了解：該eNode B可在所有時間服務MTC UE₁及MTC UE₂，而CE-MTC₁及CE-MTC₂只能在該eNode B於覆蓋增強模式中操作時有效地操作。 Figure 6 shows in schematic view a base station (in this example an eNode B) capable of operating a normal coverage mode and a so-called "coverage enhancement" mode. Some machine type communication user equipment present in the coverage area of the eNode B is shown. As shown, two of the machine type communication user equipments, the communication user equipments MTC UE ₁ and MTC UE ₂ , operate within a normal cell coverage area provided by the eNode B. The two further user equipments CE-MTC ₁ and CE-MTC ₂ are only able to communicate with the eNode B when the eNode B is operating in coverage enhancement mode. In other words, the radio conditions of the locations where the user equipments are located are: those user equipments can successfully receive communications from the eNode B only when a repetitive communication mode is implemented on the eNode B. We should be aware that the eNode B can serve MTC UE ₁ and MTC UE ₂ at all times, while CE-MTC ₁ and CE-MTC ₂ can only operate effectively when the eNode B is operating in the coverage enhancement mode.

各觀點及實施例認知：eNode B或其他網路存取節點可在兩種模式中操作。第一，eNode B可在一正常模式中操作。該模式將被理解為實質上是傳統的eNode B操作，因而沒有用於MTC裝置的覆蓋增強功能。在該模式中，該eNode B只能有效地支援位於正常無線電覆蓋內之正常用戶設備。第二，eNode B可在覆蓋增強模式(CE模式)中操作。根據該模式，可增強覆蓋增強式MTC用戶設備所需的實體通道(physical channel)之覆蓋。對那些實體通道執行多次重複。在該模式中，該eNode B可支援正常用戶設備及覆蓋增強式MTC用戶設備。 Various views and embodiments recognize that an eNode B or other network access node can operate in two modes. First, the eNode B can operate in a normal mode. This mode will be understood to be essentially a conventional eNode B operation, and thus there is no coverage enhancement function for the MTC device. In this mode, the eNode B can only effectively support normal user equipment located within normal radio coverage. Second, the eNode B can operate in coverage enhancement mode (CE mode). According to this mode, the coverage of the physical channel required to cover the enhanced MTC user equipment can be enhanced. Perform multiple iterations for those physical channels. In this mode, the eNode B can support normal user equipment and coverage enhanced MTC user equipment.

此種覆蓋增強式用戶設備被稱為覆蓋增強式機器類型通訊用戶設備(Coverage Enhanced MTC UE；簡稱CE-MTC UE)。為了將覆蓋延伸到此類用戶設備，該網路必須可在不延伸基地台(例如，eNode B)的總傳輸功率或用戶設備的總傳輸功率之情形下操作。已將重複確認為主 要的方法。換言之，重複代表一種將覆蓋延伸到特別高衰減區中之用戶設備的方式。所需重複的次數是顯著的，且可能有數百次重複。此種程度的重複對網路的頻譜效率有顯著的影響。 Such a coverage enhanced user equipment is called a Coverage Enhanced MTC UE (CE-MTC UE for short). In order to extend the coverage to such user equipment, the network must be operable without extending the total transmission power of the base station (e.g., eNode B) or the total transmission power of the user equipment. Repeated confirmation The method you want. In other words, repetition represents a way of extending the coverage to user equipment in a particularly high attenuation zone. The number of repetitions required is significant and there may be hundreds of iterations. This level of repetition has a significant impact on the spectral efficiency of the network.

為了使需要增強或延伸覆蓋的裝置知道該網路節點的現行操作狀況，可提供該網路節點的現行操作模式之一指示。可在該MIB或該第一SIB中提供該指示。在該MIB中，該指示使用現行MIB格式中之該等保留位元中之一位元。傳統的UE將不理會這些保留位元，而CE-MTC UE將讀取該等保留位元中之該一位元，以便決定覆蓋增強模式的操作狀態。該觀點認知：CE-MTC UE能夠在不需要任何額外的重複之情形下將(高區塊錯誤率(Block Error Rate；簡稱BLER)之)實體廣播通道(Physical Broadcast Channel；簡稱PBCH)解碼，且由於將該指示符置於(該PBCH載送的)該MIB中，因而使該CE-MTC UE能夠決定該eNB是否正在覆蓋增強模式中操作，且能夠決定該CE-MTC UE是否需要繼續將該SIB解碼或可轉移到省電模式。 In order for a device requiring enhanced or extended coverage to know the current operational status of the network node, an indication of one of the current modes of operation of the network node may be provided. The indication can be provided in the MIB or the first SIB. In the MIB, the indication uses one of the reserved bits in the current MIB format. The legacy UE will ignore these reserved bits, and the CE-MTC UE will read the one of the reserved bits in order to determine the operational state of the coverage enhanced mode. The viewpoint is that the CE-MTC UE can decode a Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) (Block Error Rate (BLER)) without any additional repetition. Since the indicator is placed in the MIB (which is carried by the PBCH), the CE-MTC UE can be determined whether the eNB is operating in the coverage enhancement mode, and can determine whether the CE-MTC UE needs to continue to The SIB decoding can be transferred to the power saving mode.

我們應可了解：現行的該等保留位元被設定為"0"。因此，該指示位元可被設定為"1"，用以指示該eNB正在覆蓋增強模式中操作，且若該eNB不在覆蓋增強模式中操作，則可將該指示位元可被設定為"0"。 We should be able to understand that the current reserved bits are set to "0". Therefore, the indication bit can be set to "1" to indicate that the eNB is operating in the coverage enhancement mode, and if the eNB is not operating in the coverage enhancement mode, the indication bit can be set to "0" ".

在一實施例中，界定了在該CE-MTC偵測到該PBCH且了解該eNB不在覆蓋增強模式中操作之後將不再嘗試 之一計時器T_SLEEP。在將該PBCH(實體廣播通道)解碼之後，開始T_SLEEP，且在該計時器到期時，該CE-MTC UE將嘗試重新取得同步，且讀取該PBCH，以便決定該eNB是否正在覆蓋增強模式中操作。該計時器對於eNB排程其覆蓋增強模式操作將是有利的，例如，如果T_SLEEP=10分鐘，則該eNB可保證該覆蓋增強模式應在比10分鐘長的時段中操作，以便CE-MTC UE可在覆蓋增強模式正在操作的期間中被喚醒。 In an embodiment, it is defined that one of the timers T _SLEEP will not be tried after the CE-MTC detects the PBCH and knows that the eNB is not operating in the coverage enhancement mode. After decoding the PBCH (Physical Broadcast Channel), T _{SLEEP is} started, and when the timer expires, the CE-MTC UE will attempt to regain synchronization and read the PBCH to determine whether the eNB is overwriting enhanced. Operate in mode. This timer would be advantageous for the eNB to schedule its coverage enhancement mode operation, for example, if T _SLEEP = 10 minutes, the eNB can guarantee that the coverage enhancement mode should operate in a period longer than 10 minutes for CE-MTC The UE may be woken up during the period in which the coverage enhancement mode is operating.

在另一實施例中，採用了該網路可在覆蓋增強模式中操作的一固定開始時間點。該CE-MTC UE必須正好在該時間被喚醒，以便查明該eNB是否正在覆蓋增強模式中操作。如果並非如此，則該CE-MTC UE將進入睡眠，直到次一開始時間為止。當該UE經由一可能的覆蓋增強式eNB而首次連接到該網路時，可將該開始時間提供給該UE。 In another embodiment, a fixed start time point at which the network can operate in the coverage enhancement mode is employed. The CE-MTC UE must be awake at this time to ascertain whether the eNB is operating in coverage enhanced mode. If this is not the case, the CE-MTC UE will go to sleep until the next start time. The start time may be provided to the UE when the UE first connects to the network via a possible coverage enhanced eNB.

在先前技術中，當有廣播資訊的改變時，該網路將呼叫該等UE，而指示以發生了一改變。在另一實施例中，當該eNB關閉覆蓋增強模式時，該eNB將用於指示覆蓋增強模式要關閉的一呼叫訊息傳送到該CE-MTC UE。此時該CE-MTC UE不需要重新讀取該MIB，而是該呼叫訊息本身將指示該覆蓋增強模式何時要關閉(例如，在哪一系統訊框編號(System Frame Number；簡稱SFN)時要關閉)。 In the prior art, when there is a change in broadcast information, the network will call the UEs and indicate that a change has occurred. In another embodiment, when the eNB turns off the coverage enhancement mode, the eNB transmits a call message indicating that the coverage enhancement mode is to be turned off to the CE-MTC UE. At this time, the CE-MTC UE does not need to re-read the MIB, but the call message itself will indicate when the coverage enhancement mode is to be turned off (for example, when the System Frame Number (SFN) is used) shut down).

在另一實施例中，假定該UE在首次開機之後連接到 該網路，且在該連接之後將其自身保持在一省電模式中(例如，保持在可省電的長非連續接收(DRX)或特殊休眠狀態)。當該UE在上次連接到該網路的連接程序期間讀取了該MIB及其他的SIB時，該UE將至少知道覆蓋增強模式的呼叫組態。如果一eNB決定在覆蓋增強模式中操作，則該eNB可在一或多個呼叫DRX期間中呼叫該CE-MTC UE，以便保證該CE-MTC UE被呼叫到。此時，該CE-MTC UE不需要讀取該MIB，而是該呼叫訊息本身將指示何時將開啟該覆蓋增強模式(例如，在哪一系統訊框編號(SFN)時開啟)。 In another embodiment, it is assumed that the UE is connected to after the first boot. The network, and after the connection, maintains itself in a power save mode (e.g., in a long discontinuous reception (DRX) or special sleep state that can save power). When the UE reads the MIB and other SIBs during the last connection procedure connected to the network, the UE will know at least the call configuration of the coverage enhancement mode. If an eNB decides to operate in coverage enhancement mode, the eNB may call the CE-MTC UE during one or more call DRX periods to ensure that the CE-MTC UE is called. At this time, the CE-MTC UE does not need to read the MIB, but the call message itself will indicate when the coverage enhancement mode will be turned on (for example, when the system frame number (SFN) is turned on).

在另一實施例中，在讀取該MIB且決定該eNB已開啟覆蓋增強模式之後，該CE-MTC UE在其讀取該SIB時啟動一計時器T_SIB。當T_SIB到期，且該CE-MTC UE仍然無法取得該SIB時，該CE-MTC UE將轉移到省電或休眠模式，且啟動計時器T_SLEEP。此種方式認知：該eNB可在該CE-MTC UE成功地偵測到PBCH但是尚未讀取SIB(且取得用於讀取呼叫訊息的必要資訊)之後，關閉覆蓋增強模式。 In another embodiment, after reading the MIB and determining that the eNB has turned on the coverage enhancement mode, the CE-MTC UE starts a timer T _SIB when it reads the _SIB . When the T _SIB expires and the CE-MTC UE still cannot obtain the SIB, the CE-MTC UE will shift to the power saving or sleep mode, and the timer T _{SLEEP is} started. In this manner, the eNB can turn off the coverage enhancement mode after the CE-MTC UE successfully detects the PBCH but has not read the SIB (and obtains the necessary information for reading the call message).

在現行系統中，該PBCH的保留欄位包含10個(未用)位元。在該例子中，這10個保留位元中之第1位元被用來作為CE模式指示位元，用以指示覆蓋增強模式被開啟或關閉，亦即： In the current system, the reserved field of the PBCH contains 10 (unused) bits. In this example, the first of the 10 reserved bits is used as the CE mode indicator bit to indicate that the coverage enhancement mode is turned on or off, that is,

(1)該等保留位元之"1000000000"指示覆蓋增強模式被開啟(亦即，該第1位元被設定為"1")。 (1) The "1000000000" of the reserved bits indicates that the coverage enhancement mode is turned on (i.e., the first bit is set to "1").

(2)該等保留位元之"0000000000"指示覆蓋增強模式被關閉(亦即，該第1位元被設定為"0")。 (2) The "0000000000" of the reserved bits indicates that the coverage enhancement mode is turned off (that is, the first bit is set to "0").

第1圖示出根據本發明的一實施例之一無線通訊網路。係由複數個基地台構成該無線通訊網路，該複數個基地台提供被稱為細胞的局部區域之無線電覆蓋，且被圖中未示出的一呼叫網路控制。每一網路節點或基地台20設有通訊電路22，用以傳輸、接收、及廣播無線信號。控制電路24控制這些信號的傳輸及接收。也設有一計時器26及一資料儲存庫28，該資料儲存庫28被用於儲存與該網路及範圍內之用戶設備的現行操作狀況有關之資訊，且亦被用於儲存與基地台20目前是否正在覆蓋增強模式中操作有關之指示。覆蓋增強模式是一種基地台重複地傳輸訊息因而使位於高衰減區之用戶設備50更有可能將來自基地台20的信號解碼。 1 shows a wireless communication network in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The wireless communication network is formed by a plurality of base stations that provide radio coverage of a local area called a cell and are controlled by a call network not shown. Each network node or base station 20 is provided with communication circuitry 22 for transmitting, receiving, and broadcasting wireless signals. Control circuit 24 controls the transmission and reception of these signals. There is also a timer 26 and a data repository 28 for storing information relating to the current operating conditions of the network and user equipment within the network, and also for storing and base station 20 Whether or not the instructions related to the operation in the enhanced mode are currently being overwritten. The coverage enhancement mode is a type of repeating transmission of information by the base station such that the user equipment 50 located in the high attenuation zone is more likely to decode the signal from the base station 20.

位於基地台20的細胞內之用戶設備50將使用接收電路52而自該基地台20接收信號，且將使用傳輸電路51傳輸信號。此電路被控制電路53控制，且該用戶設備設有一計時器55及一資料儲存庫56。 User equipment 50 located within the cells of base station 20 will receive signals from base station 20 using receive circuitry 52 and will transmit signals using transmission circuitry 51. The circuit is controlled by control circuit 53, and the user equipment is provided with a timer 55 and a data repository 56.

用戶設備50被配置成在覆蓋增強模式中操作，且因而將自被接收的信號決定基地台20目前是否正在覆蓋增強模式中操作。用戶設備50將自該基地台傳輸的用於指示是否在覆蓋增強模式之一指示符解碼，而作出該決定。在某些實施例中，係在一主要資訊區塊中之一預定位置上傳輸該指示符，或在其他實施例中，係在一系統資訊區塊 中傳輸該指示符。在後一種情況中，該指示符將出現在第一系統資訊區塊中，且該第一系統資訊區塊包含用於將其他一或多個系統資訊區塊解碼之排程資訊。 The user equipment 50 is configured to operate in the coverage enhancement mode and thus will determine from the received signal whether the base station 20 is currently operating in the coverage enhancement mode. The user equipment 50 makes this decision by transmitting from the base station an indication of whether one of the coverage enhancement modes is decoded. In some embodiments, the indicator is transmitted at a predetermined location in a primary information block, or in other embodiments, in a system information block. The indicator is transmitted in . In the latter case, the indicator will appear in the first system information block, and the first system information block contains schedule information for decoding other one or more system information blocks.

在其他實施例中，只須在該網路節點在各模式之間切換時將發出的一呼叫訊息中傳送該指示符。在某些情況中，將在該等資訊區塊的一資訊區塊中以及在呼叫資訊中傳送該指示符，因而該用戶設備在嘗試連接到該網路時，可自該MIB或第一SIB中之該指示符決定該基地台目前是否正在覆蓋增強模式中。如果該基地台目前不在覆蓋增強模式中，則該用戶設備可停止嘗試連接。如果該基地台目前在覆蓋增強模式中，則該用戶設備可繼續嘗試連接。 就這一點而言，該用戶設備可能因為該基地台在其嘗試時切換成離開覆蓋增強模式，而使該嘗試無法成功。因此，在某些實施例中，計時器55被設定為一預定時間，且將只在該時間期間中執行嘗試連接到該網路。如果該連接嘗試在該時間期間終止時仍未成功，則用戶設備50將進入一休眠模式，且將不再嘗試連接。可於此時設定一進一步的計時器，用以計時將決定在再度嘗試連接之前將要在該休眠模式停留多久的一再試連接時間間隔。 In other embodiments, the indicator is only required to be transmitted in a call message that will be sent when the network node switches between modes. In some cases, the indicator will be transmitted in an information block of the information block and in the call information, so that the user equipment may be from the MIB or the first SIB when attempting to connect to the network. The indicator in this determines whether the base station is currently overwriting the enhanced mode. If the base station is not currently in coverage enhancement mode, the user equipment may stop attempting to connect. If the base station is currently in coverage enhancement mode, the user equipment may continue to attempt to connect. In this regard, the user equipment may not be successful because the base station switches to leave the coverage enhancement mode when it attempts. Thus, in some embodiments, the timer 55 is set to a predetermined time and an attempt to connect to the network will only be performed during that time period. If the connection attempt is still unsuccessful during the termination of the time period, the user device 50 will enter a sleep mode and will no longer attempt to connect. A further timer can be set at this time to time the retry connection time interval that will determine how long to stay in the sleep mode before attempting to connect again.

如果用戶設備50決定該基地台正在該覆蓋增強模式中，則該用戶設備50將連接到該網路，且將重複地傳輸任何訊息，使該基地台可累積該資訊，且將這些資訊解碼。此外，自該基地台傳送的任何訊息將被重複地傳送，使該用戶設備可累積這些訊息，且將這些訊息解碼。當該 用戶設備成功地傳送了其訊息時，該用戶設備可切換到休眠模式。 If the user equipment 50 determines that the base station is in the coverage enhancement mode, the user equipment 50 will connect to the network and will repeatedly transmit any messages so that the base station can accumulate the information and decode the information. In addition, any messages transmitted from the base station will be transmitted repeatedly, allowing the user equipment to accumulate these messages and decode the messages. When When the user device successfully transmits its message, the user device can switch to sleep mode.

當該用戶設備想要傳送另一訊息時，在某些例子中，該用戶設備將嘗試連接，且將嘗試偵測該覆蓋增強模式指示符。在其他實施例中，該用戶設備可設有被儲存在資料儲存庫56中之一預定時間，且將知道該基地台於該預定時間將處於覆蓋增強模式，且該用戶設備若有要被傳送的一訊息，則該用戶設備將在該時間進入現用狀態。或者，如果該用戶設備嘗試連接，且決定該基地台目前不在覆蓋增強模式，則該用戶設備可將計時器55設定為該再試連接時間間隔，且將在該時間間隔終止時再試。就這一點而言，在某些實施例中，該基地台及用戶設備都儲存該再試連接時間期間，且當該基地台切換到該覆蓋增強模式時，該基地台將在比該再試連接時間期間長的時間期間中停留在該覆蓋增強模式，因而該用戶設備在該基地台處於覆蓋增強模式的整個時間期間中將不會停留在休眠模式。 When the user equipment wants to transmit another message, in some examples, the user equipment will attempt to connect and will attempt to detect the coverage enhancement mode indicator. In other embodiments, the user equipment may be provided with a predetermined time stored in the data repository 56 and will know that the base station will be in the coverage enhancement mode at the predetermined time, and if the user equipment is to be transmitted A message that the user device will enter the active state at that time. Alternatively, if the user equipment attempts to connect and decides that the base station is not currently in the coverage enhancement mode, the user equipment can set the timer 55 to the retry connection time interval and will try again when the time interval expires. In this regard, in some embodiments, the base station and the user equipment store the retry connection time period, and when the base station switches to the coverage enhancement mode, the base station will be connected to the retry connection time. The coverage enhancement mode stays for a long period of time, so the user equipment will not stay in the sleep mode during the entire time that the base station is in the coverage enhancement mode.

第2圖示出根據本發明的一實施例而由一網路節點執行的一方法中之步驟之一流程圖。在該例子中，該網路節點初始時係在覆蓋增強模式中，且廣播具有一CE指示符的一主要資訊區塊。該網路節點將重複地傳輸其傳輸的任何訊息，因而提供了覆蓋增強。該網路節點將在某一時間點切換到該非覆蓋增強模式，且該網路節點將於此時廣播具有一非CE指示符之一更新的主要資訊區塊，且該網路節點以可於一呼叫訊息中傳輸一非CE指示符。就這一點 而言，當更新一網路的主要資訊區塊時，通常隨即將一呼叫訊息傳送到用戶設備，而通知用戶設備已更新了該主要資訊區塊。在本發明之實施例中，下列操作將是有利的：該呼叫訊息內也包含覆蓋增強模式的指示，使該用戶設備可自該呼叫訊息直接決定該基地台目前是否在覆蓋增強模式。 Figure 2 is a flow diagram showing one of the steps in a method performed by a network node in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, the network node is initially in coverage enhancement mode and broadcasts a primary information block with a CE indicator. The network node will repeatedly transmit any messages it transmits, thus providing coverage enhancement. The network node will switch to the non-coverage enhanced mode at a certain point in time, and the network node will broadcast a primary information block with one of the non-CE indicators updated at this time, and the network node is available A non-CE indicator is transmitted in a call message. On this point In this case, when updating the main information block of a network, a call message is usually transmitted to the user equipment, and the user equipment is notified that the main information block has been updated. In an embodiment of the invention, the following operations are advantageous: the call message also includes an indication of the coverage enhancement mode, such that the user equipment can directly determine from the call message whether the base station is currently in the coverage enhancement mode.

該網路節點然後將在非覆蓋增強模式中操作，此時不重複地傳送訊息，且該網路節點因而可更效率地操作。該網路節點將在某一時間點再度切換到該覆蓋增強模式。在某些實施例中，該網路節點於此時將設定一計時器，且將重複地傳輸其傳送的任何訊息。當該計時器到期時，該網路節點可切換回到該非覆蓋增強模式。就這一點而言，該計時器被設定成在比該系統中之一用戶設備的該連接再試時間期間長的一時間期間中運行。由於該網路節點至少在該期間中停留在該覆蓋增強模式，所以該用戶設備於嘗試重新連接時將不會錯過該覆蓋增強模式期間。 The network node will then operate in a non-coverage enhanced mode, where messages are not transmitted repeatedly and the network node can thus operate more efficiently. The network node will switch to the coverage enhancement mode again at a certain point in time. In some embodiments, the network node will set a timer at this time and will repeatedly transmit any messages it transmits. When the timer expires, the network node can switch back to the non-coverage enhanced mode. In this regard, the timer is set to run during a period of time that is longer than the connection retry time of one of the user devices in the system. Since the network node stays in the coverage enhancement mode for at least during the period, the user equipment will not miss the coverage enhancement mode period when attempting to reconnect.

第3圖示出該網路節點執行之一進一步的方法。開始時，該網路節點廣播主要資訊區塊及系統資訊區塊。在該實施例中，該第一系統資訊區塊內有該覆蓋增強指示符。該網路節點開始時是在該非覆蓋增強模式中，且該網路節點因而在該第一系統資訊區塊內傳輸一非覆蓋增強指示符。該網路節點在一預定時間上將切換到該覆蓋增強模式，且該網路節點此時將廣播主要資訊區塊、以及具有內含一覆蓋增強指示符的該第一系統資訊區塊之系統資訊區 塊。於此時，該網路節點將在覆蓋增強模式中操作，且將重複地傳輸訊息。該網路節點將至少在被配置成比該用戶設備的連接再試時間間隔長的一時間間隔中執行該重複地傳輸訊息。當在該時間間隔在某一時間點上已到期時，該網路節點將切換到該非覆蓋增強模式，且一旦該網路節點切換到該非覆蓋增強模式之後，該網路節點隨即將廣播主要資訊區塊、以及具有內含一非覆蓋增強指示符的該第一系統資訊區塊之系統資訊區塊。 Figure 3 shows a further method of execution of the network node. Initially, the network node broadcasts the main information block and the system information block. In this embodiment, the coverage enhancement indicator is included in the first system information block. The network node is initially in the non-coverage enhanced mode, and the network node thus transmits a non-coverage enhancement indicator within the first system information block. The network node will switch to the coverage enhancement mode for a predetermined time, and the network node will now broadcast the primary information block and the system with the first system information block including a coverage enhancement indicator Information area Piece. At this point, the network node will operate in coverage enhancement mode and will repeatedly transmit messages. The network node will perform the repeated transmission of the message at least during a time interval that is configured to be longer than the connection retry interval of the user equipment. When the time interval has expired at a certain time point, the network node will switch to the non-coverage enhanced mode, and once the network node switches to the non-coverage enhanced mode, the network node will broadcast mainly An information block, and a system information block having the first system information block including a non-coverage enhancement indicator.

第4圖示出根據本發明的一實施例而由用戶設備執行的一方法之步驟。該用戶設備接收同步信號，且與該網路同步。該用戶設備然後接收該主要資訊區塊，且決定是指示了覆蓋增強模式。如果並未指示覆蓋增強模式，則該用戶設備進入一休眠模式。該用戶設備將設定一計時器，且將在一連接再試時間期間中停留在休眠模式，且當該計時器到期時，該用戶設備將進入現用模式，且與該系統再度同步，並且再度察看該主要資訊區塊。 Figure 4 illustrates the steps of a method performed by a user equipment in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The user equipment receives the synchronization signal and is synchronized with the network. The user equipment then receives the primary information block and the decision is to indicate the coverage enhancement mode. If the coverage enhancement mode is not indicated, the user equipment enters a sleep mode. The user equipment will set a timer and will stay in sleep mode during a connection retry time, and when the timer expires, the user equipment will enter the active mode and re-synchronize with the system and look again The main information block.

如果指示了覆蓋增強模式，則該用戶設備將設定一計時器，且將接收該等系統資訊區塊。該用戶設備然後嘗試將該等系統資訊區塊解碼。如果該用戶設備在該計時器指示的時間期間內並未成功地解碼，則該用戶設備將進入該休眠模式。如果該用戶設備成功地解碼，則該用戶設備將連接到該網路，且將在其於該覆蓋增強模式中操作時重複地傳輸訊息，而與該網路通訊。 If the coverage enhancement mode is indicated, the user equipment will set a timer and will receive the system information blocks. The user equipment then attempts to decode the system information blocks. If the user equipment is not successfully decoded during the time indicated by the timer, the user equipment will enter the sleep mode. If the user equipment successfully decodes, the user equipment will be connected to the network and will repeatedly transmit messages while communicating in the coverage enhancement mode to communicate with the network.

第5圖示出在一CE-MTC UE嘗試連接到該網路時的 一時間線。在時間τ₀時，該CE-MTC UE自省電模式移出(例如，該CE-MTC UE開機)，且該CE-MTC UE嘗試偵測主要同步信號(PSS)/輔助同步信號(SSS)，以便藉由累積PSS/SSS能量而達到同步。 Figure 5 shows a timeline when a CE-MTC UE attempts to connect to the network. At time τ ₀ , the CE-MTC UE moves out of the power saving mode (eg, the CE-MTC UE is powered on), and the CE-MTC UE attempts to detect a primary synchronization signal (PSS)/auxiliary synchronization signal (SSS), so that Synchronization is achieved by accumulating PSS/SSS energy.

在時間τ₁時，該CE-MTC UE達到同步，且嘗試將PBCH解碼。該eNB決定並在覆蓋增強模式中操作，且因而將不重複PBCH，而且將保留位元設定為"0000000000"。如前文所述，該CE-MTC UE可仍然"繼續嘗試"將該PBCH解碼。 At time τ ₁ , the CE-MTC UE is synchronized and attempts to decode the PBCH. The eNB decides and operates in the coverage enhancement mode, and thus will not repeat the PBCH, and sets the reserved bit to "0000000000". As described above, the CE-MTC UE may still "continue to try" to decode the PBCH.

在時間τ₂時，該CE-MTC UE設法將該PBCH解碼，且檢查覆蓋增強模式指示位元。因為該eNB將該位元設定為"0"，所以該CE-MTC UE停止嘗試讀取SIB，且移入省電模式。根據一實施例，該CE-MTC UE將在時間τ₂時也啟動一計時器T_SLEEP，而在T_SLEEP到期時，該CE-MTC UE將重新嘗試連接到該網路。 At time τ ₂ , the CE-MTC UE attempts to decode the PBCH and checks the coverage enhancement mode indicator bit. Since the eNB sets the bit to "0", the CE-MTC UE stops attempting to read the SIB and moves into the power saving mode. According to an embodiment, the CE-MTC UE will also initiate a timer T _SLEEP at time τ ₂ , and upon expiration of T _SLEEP , the CE-MTC UE will retry to connect to the network.

我們應可了解：在該MIB中沒有該覆蓋增強模式指示位元時，該CE-MTC UE將繼續嘗試SIB，且該CE-MTC UE將只能夠在其了解該等SIB中不存在某些不可或缺的資訊元素(IE)時，決定該eNB並未在覆蓋增強模式中操作。不可或缺的IE之例子是需要在該等SIB中廣播之封包隨機存取通道(PRACH)重複級別。由實體下行鏈路共用通道(PDSCH)載送SIB，而PDSCH為了被偵測到可能需要多次重複，因而將耗用CE-MTC UE的大量電池電力。 We should be aware that when there is no coverage enhancement mode indicator bit in the MIB, the CE-MTC UE will continue to try the SIB, and the CE-MTC UE will only be able to know that there is no such thing in the SIB. When the information element (IE) is missing, it is decided that the eNB does not operate in the coverage enhancement mode. An example of an indispensable IE is the Packet Random Access Channel (PRACH) repetition level that needs to be broadcast in such SIBs. The SIB is carried by the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH), and the PDSCH may need to be repeated multiple times in order to be detected, thus consuming a large amount of battery power of the CE-MTC UE.

各實施例進一步採用了一種覆蓋增強樣式訊息，該覆蓋增強樣式訊息可操作而向係為覆蓋增強MTC用戶設備的那些用戶設備指示一覆蓋增強樣式。該覆蓋增強樣式訊息意圖向在覆蓋增強區中之用戶設備指示一eNode B下一次何時可能或意圖實施一覆蓋增強操作模式，因而用戶設備可在其能夠連接到網路的時間期間之間睡眠，因而使用戶設備能夠在一eNode B執行的那些覆蓋增強操作期間之間節省電池電力。 Embodiments further employ an overlay enhancement style message operable to indicate a coverage enhancement pattern to those user equipment that are overlaying the enhanced MTC user equipment. The coverage enhancement pattern message is intended to indicate to the user equipment in the coverage enhancement zone when an eNode B may or may intend to implement a coverage enhancement mode of operation next time, such that the user equipment can sleep between periods of time during which it can connect to the network, The user equipment is thus enabled to conserve battery power between those coverage enhancement operations performed by an eNode B.

換言之，覆蓋增強樣式訊息可告知用戶設備一覆蓋增強操作模式可持續多長時間、以及次一覆蓋增強樣式期間何時將開始。 In other words, the overlay enhancement style message can inform the user how long the coverage enhancement mode of operation can last, and when the next coverage enhancement style will begin.

可想出實施該覆蓋增強樣式訊息個各種方式。根據一方式，該"覆蓋增強樣式"指示覆蓋增強的重複週期性，且指示基地台可在覆蓋增強模式以及正常模式中操作多長的時間。該訊息尤其可包含一覆蓋增強期間的持續時間以及與該覆蓋增強期間有關的一週期之一指示。 A variety of ways to implement the overlay enhancement style message can be envisioned. According to one approach, the "coverage enhancement pattern" indicates coverage-enhanced repetition periodicity and indicates how long the base station can operate in the coverage enhancement mode as well as the normal mode. The message may include, in particular, a duration of the coverage enhancement period and an indication of one of the periods associated with the coverage enhancement period.

根據某些實施例，一eNode B可操作而根據向用戶設備指示的該週期而在覆蓋增強操作模式與正常操作模式之間切換。 According to some embodiments, an eNode B is operable to switch between an overlay enhanced mode of operation and a normal mode of operation in accordance with the cycle indicated to the user equipment.

一覆蓋增強樣式訊息可指示一基地台將實施的現行覆蓋增強模式的終止、以及次一覆蓋增強模式的開始。 A coverage enhancement style message may indicate the termination of the current coverage enhancement mode that a base station will implement, and the beginning of the next coverage enhancement mode.

第7圖以示意圖示出在一時段中可能的eNode B操作模式改變。根據第7圖，示出了在一時段中之eNode B模式改變、以及兩個不同的覆蓋增強期間。在這兩個不同的 覆蓋增強期間中，該eNode B係在覆蓋增強模式中操作，且在此種情形中，那些期間被稱為第k個及第k+1個覆蓋增強期間。該第k個CE期間開始於時間T₀，且終止於時間T₁，而該第k+1個CE期間開始於時間T₂，且終止於時間T₃。在該所示實施例中，該覆蓋增強樣式訊息可諸如指示時間T₁及T₂。在該第k個CE模式期間中操作的一覆蓋增強式MTC用戶設備因而可操作而在時間T₁之後關機或進入一休眠狀態，且在時間T₂的區域中被喚醒。此種操作可讓eNode B於支援覆蓋增強式MTC用戶設備時有某種程度的彈性。此外，可以下列方式操作：如果一eNode B決定其通常在特定日子時有來自正常用戶設備的高負載，則該eNode B可操作而延遲進入覆蓋增強操作期間，且相應地設定時間T₂。 Figure 7 shows in schematic view the possible eNode B mode of operation changes during a time period. According to Fig. 7, the eNode B mode change in one period and two different coverage enhancement periods are shown. During these two different coverage enhancement periods, the eNode B operates in coverage enhancement mode, and in this case, those periods are referred to as the kth and k+1th coverage enhancement periods. The kth CE period begins at time T ₀ and ends at time T ₁ , while the k+1+1 CE period begins at time T ₂ and ends at time T ₃ . In the illustrated embodiment, the overlay enhancement style message can be such as to indicate times T ₁ and T ₂ . Operation during the k th CE in a coverage enhancement mode type MTC user equipment thus operable after the off time T ₁ or enters a sleep state, and wakes up at time T ₂ in the region. This operation allows the eNode B to have some degree of resiliency when it comes to supporting enhanced MTC user equipment. Further, in the following manner: If a eNode B decides which usually have a high load from a normal user device, the eNode B coverage enhancement entry delay operable during operation at a particular day, and is set according to the time T _2.

可在一SIB訊息中廣播該覆蓋增強樣式。在某些實施例中，可在MIB中廣播該覆蓋增強樣式。因為預期CE-MTC用戶設備可能關機或處於一休眠狀態，所以那些用戶設備首次連接到一網路時，通常需要操作而達到同步。為了達到此種同步，那些用戶設備在eNode B於覆蓋增強模式中操作的期間首次被喚醒時，必須讀取該MIB及SIB。當用戶設備於一覆蓋增強期間中初次進行操作時，可因而取得一更新的覆蓋增強樣式。可藉由更新SIB或MIB而將該樣式傳送到用戶設備。 The overlay enhancement style can be broadcast in an SIB message. In some embodiments, the overlay enhancement style can be broadcast in the MIB. Since the CE-MTC user equipment is expected to be shut down or in a dormant state, when the user equipment is connected to a network for the first time, it usually needs to operate to achieve synchronization. In order to achieve such synchronization, those user equipments must read the MIB and SIB when they are first woken up during operation of the eNode B in the coverage enhancement mode. When the user equipment is initially operated during a coverage enhancement period, an updated coverage enhancement pattern can thus be obtained. The pattern can be transmitted to the user device by updating the SIB or MIB.

我們應可了解：一SIB或MIB中指示的一被選擇之覆蓋增強樣式在一覆蓋增強期間或操作模式期間將是不可 能改變的。 We should be aware that a selected coverage enhancement pattern indicated in an SIB or MIB will not be available during an overlay enhancement or during an operational mode. Can change.

可使用一專用訊息將一覆蓋增強樣式傳送到用戶設備。該實施例可讓一網路將某些用戶設備排程成使用不同的覆蓋增強期間而操作。例如，一eNode B可操作而將在覆蓋增強模式中操作之一半的用戶設備排程成於每一覆蓋增強期間中操作，而另一半的那些用戶設備可於每一其他覆蓋增強期間中操作。被傳送到用戶設備的直接訊息可取代在一SIB或MIB中廣播的覆蓋增強樣式訊息。 A coverage enhancement style can be transmitted to the user device using a dedicated message. This embodiment allows a network to schedule certain user equipments to operate using different coverage enhancement periods. For example, an eNode B is operable to schedule user equipment operating in one of the coverage enhancement modes to operate in each coverage enhancement period, while those of the other half are operable in each of the other coverage enhancement periods. The direct message transmitted to the user equipment can replace the coverage enhancement style message broadcast in an SIB or MIB.

當首次在一網路內部署CE-MTC用戶設備時，可配置一初始覆蓋增強樣式。該實施例可讓覆蓋增強式MTC用戶設備以一種保證該用戶設備能夠在一覆蓋增強操作期間與一eNode B通訊之方式首次被喚醒。根據一實施例，可為每一CE-MTC用戶設備界定一備用覆蓋增強樣式。在高衰減區中之用戶設備可能錯過一覆蓋增強期間(例如，由於電池故障或停電)，且因而遺漏了與一後續被排程的覆蓋延伸期間有關之資訊。在此種情形中，可利用一備用覆蓋增強期間，以便覆蓋增強式MTC用戶設備可操作而使其重新同步，且因而找到一更新的覆蓋增強期間。在此種情形中，一eNode B通常被配置成知道該被排程的備用覆蓋增強期間。該備用期間可諸如包含一天中之一特定時段。在某些實施例中，一備用覆蓋增強期間可以是根據替代實施例而設定的一初始覆蓋增強期間。 When the CE-MTC user equipment is deployed in a network for the first time, an initial coverage enhancement style can be configured. This embodiment may enable the overlay enhanced MTC user equipment to be woken up for the first time in a manner that ensures that the user equipment can communicate with an eNode B during a coverage enhancement operation. According to an embodiment, an alternate coverage enhancement pattern may be defined for each CE-MTC user equipment. The user equipment in the high attenuation zone may miss a coverage enhancement period (eg, due to a battery failure or power outage) and thus miss information related to a subsequent scheduled coverage extension period. In such a case, an alternate coverage enhancement period may be utilized to cover the enhanced MTC user equipment operable to resynchronize and thereby find an updated coverage enhancement period. In this case, an eNode B is typically configured to know the scheduled spare coverage enhancement period. The standby period may include, for example, a particular time of day. In some embodiments, an alternate coverage enhancement period may be an initial coverage enhancement period set in accordance with an alternate embodiment.

用戶設備可操作而持續地監視SIBs，以便識別一覆蓋增強模式的開始。此種情況可容許較短且有彈性的延 遲，而可與覆蓋增強式MTC裝置通訊。此種情況可被用於沒有覆蓋增強樣式的特定知識之用戶設備、或不要求額外的電池電力節省之用戶設備。 The user equipment is operable to continuously monitor the SIBs to identify the beginning of a coverage enhancement mode. This situation allows for a shorter and flexible extension Late, it can communicate with the coverage enhanced MTC device. Such a situation can be used for user equipment that does not cover the specific knowledge of the enhanced style, or user equipment that does not require additional battery power savings.

根據某些技術，覆蓋增強式MTC用戶設備的被喚醒可被設定成使該喚醒發生在一已知覆蓋增強操作期間開始的一虛擬隨機時段之後。此種實施方式可避免所有的覆蓋增強式MTC裝置在相同的時間被喚醒且嘗試同時連接到該網路，因而可避免該網路的超載。 According to some techniques, the wake-up of the overlay enhanced MTC user equipment can be set such that the wake-up occurs after a virtual random time period that begins during a known coverage enhancement operation. Such an embodiment avoids that all coverage enhanced MTC devices are woken up at the same time and attempt to connect to the network at the same time, thereby avoiding overloading of the network.

第8及9圖以示意圖示出諸如第6圖的配置中示出的一eNode B等的一eNode B實施之例示覆蓋增強樣式。 Figures 8 and 9 show, by way of illustration, an exemplary coverage enhancement pattern for an eNode B implementation such as an eNode B shown in the configuration of Figure 6.

在一實施例中，一覆蓋增強樣式訊息可包含五個位元，該等五個位元被進一步界定如下文所述：三個位元可被用於指示一開始時間；例如，該開始時間可具有三小時的步階，且次一覆蓋增強期間可發生於自時間T₀算起的一些三小時中之最小值；且其他兩個位元可被用於指示次一覆蓋增強期間的持續時間，該持續時間仍然具有三小時的步階，且該持續時間可被設定為一些三小時中之最小值。 In an embodiment, a coverage enhancement pattern message may comprise five bits, the five bits being further defined as follows: three bits may be used to indicate a start time; for example, the start time There may be a three hour step, and the next coverage enhancement period may occur at a minimum of some three hours from time T ₀ ; and the other two bits may be used to indicate the duration of the next coverage enhancement period Time, the duration still has a three-hour step, and the duration can be set to a minimum of some three hours.

根據一例子，一CE週期可被設定為24小時(亦即，111的位元值)，且覆蓋增強樣式期間可被設定為六小時(亦即，01的位元值)。我們應可了解：000或00意指三小時開始時間之最小值或三小時持續時間之最小值。 According to an example, a CE period can be set to 24 hours (i.e., a bit value of 111), and the coverage enhancement pattern period can be set to six hours (i.e., a bit value of 01). We should be able to understand that 000 or 00 means the minimum of three hours of start time or the minimum of three hours of duration.

如第8圖所示，可以上午1點的初始開始時間配置 CE-MTC₁及CE-MTC₂。一eNode B可操作而保證其支援該期間中之覆蓋增強模式。第8圖示出一適當的覆蓋增強樣式。 As shown in Fig. 8, CE-MTC ₁ and CE-MTC ₂ can be configured at an initial start time of 1 am. An eNode B is operable to ensure that it supports the coverage enhancement mode during the period. Figure 8 shows an appropriate overlay enhancement pattern.

在第8圖所示之該第二覆蓋增強期間，該eNode B可操作而決定其希望將一更晚的或次一覆蓋增強期間排程成比上午1點早。因此，當該第二覆蓋增強期間開始時，該eNode B可操作而改變其SIB值，使次一週期自18小時之後開始且持續六小時。 During the second coverage enhancement shown in FIG. 8, the eNode B is operable to determine that it wishes to schedule a later or next coverage enhancement period earlier than 1 am. Thus, when the second coverage enhancement period begins, the eNode B is operable to change its SIB value such that the next cycle begins after 18 hours and lasts for six hours.

第9圖示出在該第二CE期間之後的CE樣式；亦即，該第三CE期間早三個小時開始。該圖也以示意圖示出eNode B可操作而將與覆蓋增強樣式改變有關的資訊提供給用戶設備。 Figure 9 shows the CE pattern after this second CE period; that is, the third CE period begins three hours earlier. The figure also shows in schematic view that the eNode B is operable to provide information related to coverage enhancement style changes to the user equipment.

所述之該等技術可讓一網路內之eNode B與CE-MTC用戶設備同步。該等技術尤其可讓CE-MTC用戶設備在正確的時間被喚醒，以便連接到一網路且接受覆蓋，而且可讓該CE-MTC用戶設備在其可與該網路成功地通訊的那些時間之間的時段中節省電池的電力。 The techniques described can synchronize the eNode B within a network with the CE-MTC user equipment. In particular, the techniques allow the CE-MTC user equipment to be woken up at the right time to connect to a network and accept coverage, and to allow the CE-MTC user equipment to communicate successfully with the network. Save battery power between time periods.

熟悉此項技術者當可易於了解：可以程控電腦執行各種上述方法之步驟。於此，某些實施例也意圖涵蓋諸如數位資料儲存媒體等的程式儲存裝置，這些程式儲存裝置是機器或電腦可讀取的，且將機器可執行的或電腦可執行的指令程式編碼，其中該等指令執行該等上述方法的某些或所有步驟。該等程式儲存裝置可以是諸如數位記憶體、磁碟及磁帶等的磁性儲存媒體、硬碟機、或可以光學方式讀 取的數位資料儲存媒體。該等實施例也意圖涵蓋被編程成執行該等上述方法的該等步驟之電腦。 Those skilled in the art can easily understand that the computer can be programmed to perform the steps of the various methods described above. Herein, some embodiments are also intended to cover program storage devices such as digital data storage media, which are machine or computer readable and encode machine executable or computer executable instruction programs, wherein The instructions perform some or all of the steps of the above methods. The program storage device may be a magnetic storage medium such as a digital memory, a magnetic disk and a magnetic tape, a hard disk drive, or may be optically read. Digital data storage media. The embodiments are also intended to encompass a computer programmed to perform the steps of the methods described above.

可利用專用硬體以及與適當的軟體相關聯且能夠執行軟體的硬體而提供其中包括被標示為"處理器"或"邏輯"等的任何功能方塊的該等圖式中所示的各種元件之功能。當以一處理器提供時，可以一單一專用的處理器、一單一共用的處理器、或複數個個別的處理器(該複數個處理器中之某些處理器可被共用)提供該等功能。此外，顯性地使用術語"處理器"或"控制器"或"邏輯"時，不應被詮釋為唯一地參照到能夠執行軟體之硬體，且可隱性地在沒有限制之情形下包括數位信號處理器(Digital Signal Processor；簡稱DSP)硬體、網路處理器、特定應用積體電路(Application Specific Integrated Circuit；簡稱ASIC)、現場可程式閘陣列(Field Programmable Gate Array；簡稱FPGA)、用於儲存軟體之唯讀記憶體(Read Only Memory；簡稱ROM)、隨機存取記憶體(Random Access Memory；簡稱RAM)、以及非揮發性儲存器。亦可包括傳統的及/或訂製的其他硬體。同樣地，該等圖式中所示的任何開關只是概念性的。可經由程式邏輯之操作、專用邏輯之操作、程式控制及專用邏輯的互動、或甚至以人工方式執行其功能，而如將於上下文中可更明確了解的，實施者可選擇特定的技術。 The various components shown in the figures, including any functional blocks labeled "processor" or "logic", etc., may be provided by dedicated hardware and hardware associated with the appropriate software and capable of executing the software. The function. When provided by a processor, the functions may be provided by a single dedicated processor, a single shared processor, or a plurality of individual processors (some of which may be shared) . In addition, when the term "processor" or "controller" or "logic" is used explicitly, it should not be interpreted as being uniquely referenced to hardware capable of executing software, and may be implicitly included without limitation. Digital Signal Processor (DSP) hardware, network processor, Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), Read Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), and non-volatile storage for storing software. Other hardware, traditional and/or custom, may also be included. Likewise, any of the switches shown in these figures are conceptual only. The functions of the program logic, the operation of the dedicated logic, the interaction of the program control and the dedicated logic, or even the execution of the functions can be performed manually, and as will be more clearly understood in the context, the implementer can select a particular technology.

熟悉此項技術者應可了解：本說明書中之任何方塊圖代表了實施本發明的原理的例示電路之概念性圖式。同樣 地，我們將可了解：任何流程圖、流程圖表、狀態轉變圖、及虛擬碼等的圖表代表可實質上以電腦可讀取的媒體之方式呈現且因而可被電腦或處理器(不論該電腦或處理器是否被明確地示出)執行之各種程序。 Those skilled in the art should understand that any block diagram in this specification represents a conceptual diagram of an exemplary circuit that implements the principles of the invention. same , we will understand that any flowcharts, flowcharts, state transition diagrams, and virtual code diagrams represent representations that can be rendered substantially in computer readable media and thus can be used by a computer or processor (whether the computer Whether the processor is explicitly shown) various programs that are executed.

本說明及各圖式只是例示了本發明的原理。因此，我們應可了解：熟悉此項技術者將能夠想出在本說明書中雖然並未明確地說明或示出但是實施了本發明的原理且被包含在本發明的精神及範圍內之各種配置。此外，本說明書中述及的所有例子主要是明確地只作為教學之目的，以便協助讀者了解本發明之原理以及本案發明人對此項技術的推進所貢獻的觀念，且將被理解為不將本發明限制在這些被特別述及的例子及條件。此外，本說明書中述及本發明的各項原理、觀點、及實施例之所有陳述以及本發明之特定例子將包含其等效物。 The description and the drawings are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Therefore, it should be understood that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various embodiments of the present invention, which are not specifically described or illustrated, but which are embodied in the spirit and scope of the invention. . In addition, all the examples described in the specification are mainly for the purpose of teaching only, in order to assist the reader to understand the principles of the present invention and the concept that the inventor of the present invention contributes to the advancement of the technology, and will be understood as not The present invention is limited to the examples and conditions specifically mentioned above. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples of the invention, are intended to include equivalents thereof.

20‧‧‧基地台 20‧‧‧Base Station

22‧‧‧通訊電路 22‧‧‧Communication circuit

24、53‧‧‧控制電路 24, 53‧‧‧ control circuit

26、55‧‧‧計時器 26, 55‧ ‧ timer

28、56‧‧‧資料儲存庫 28, 56‧‧‧ data repository

50‧‧‧用戶設備 50‧‧‧User equipment

51‧‧‧傳輸電路 51‧‧‧Transmission circuit

52‧‧‧接收電路 52‧‧‧ receiving circuit

Claims (15)

一種由網路節點執行的將網路連接資訊提供給用戶設備以供連接到無線通訊網路之方法，該無線通訊網路被配置成根據將重複某一傳訊用於增加覆蓋之一覆蓋增強通訊模式且根據不重複該某一傳訊之一非覆蓋增強模式而支援與該用戶設備間之通訊，該方法包含下列步驟：自該網路節點廣播其中包含與該網路有關的資訊之一主要資訊區塊；廣播其中包含與如何連接到該網路有關的資訊之系統資訊區塊；以及將一覆蓋增強模式指示符以信令通知目前並未被連接到該網路的用戶設備，該覆蓋增強模式指示符向該用戶設備指示該網路節點目前是否正在該覆蓋增強模式中操作。 A method for providing network connection information to a user equipment for connection to a wireless communication network, performed by a network node, the wireless communication network being configured to enhance an overlay communication mode based on repeating a certain communication for increasing coverage and Supporting communication with the user equipment according to one of the non-coverage enhancement modes of the certain communication, the method comprising the steps of: broadcasting from the network node one of the main information blocks containing information related to the network Broadcasting a system information block containing information about how to connect to the network; and an overlay enhancement mode indicator to signal user equipment that is not currently connected to the network, the coverage enhancement mode indication The indication indicates to the user equipment whether the network node is currently operating in the coverage enhancement mode. 如申請專利範圍第1項之方法，其中該覆蓋增強模式指示符包含一單一位元。 The method of claim 1, wherein the coverage enhancement mode indicator comprises a single bit. 如申請專利範圍第1或2項之方法，其中該主要資訊區塊、複數個該系統資訊區塊的一第一系統資訊區塊、以及一呼叫訊息中之至少一者包含該覆蓋增強模式指示符。 The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the primary information block, a first system information block of the plurality of system information blocks, and at least one of the call messages include the coverage enhancement mode indication symbol. 如申請專利範圍第3項之方法，其中該覆蓋增強模式指示符被設置在該主要資訊區塊、複數個該系統資訊區塊的一第一系統資訊區塊、以及一呼叫訊息中之該至少一者的一預定位置。 The method of claim 3, wherein the coverage enhancement mode indicator is set in the primary information block, a first system information block of the plurality of system information blocks, and the at least one of the call messages a predetermined location of one. 如任一上述申請專利範圍之方法，包含下列步驟： 向該用戶設備呼叫用於指示該網路節點的一模式改變之資訊，其中當該模式改變包含切換進入或切換離開該覆蓋增強模式時，該呼叫資訊指示該改變。 A method as in any of the above claims, comprising the steps of: The user equipment is called to indicate information about a mode change of the network node, wherein the call information indicates the change when the mode change includes a handover entry or a handover away from the coverage enhancement mode. 如申請專利範圍第5項之方法，其中當該覆蓋增強模式被關閉時，該指示包含該覆蓋增強模式要被關閉的時間之一指示。 The method of claim 5, wherein when the coverage enhancement mode is turned off, the indication includes an indication of when the coverage enhancement mode is to be turned off. 如申請專利範圍第5或6項中之任一項之方法，包含下列步驟：在複數個非連續接收週期(DRX)時間期間中重複地傳輸該呼叫訊息。 The method of any one of claims 5 or 6, comprising the step of repeatedly transmitting the call message during a plurality of discontinuous reception period (DRX) time periods. 如任一上述申請專利範圍之方法，包含下列步驟：自該非覆蓋增強操作模式切換到覆蓋增強操作模式，且在比一預定時間期間長的一時間期間中停留在該覆蓋增強操作模式中，該預定時間期間被選擇成等於一用戶設備連接再試時間期間。 A method as in any one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: switching from the non-coverage enhanced mode of operation to a coverage enhancement mode of operation, and staying in the coverage enhancement mode of operation during a time period longer than a predetermined time period, The predetermined time period is selected to be equal to a user equipment connection retry time period. 如申請專利範圍第8項之方法，包含下列進一步的步驟：將該用戶設備連接再試時間期間以信令通知該用戶設備，該連接再試時間期間指示在接收到用於指示該網路是在該非覆蓋增強模式的該覆蓋增強模式指示符之後該用戶設備在再度嘗試連接到該網路之前應等候的一時間長度。 The method of claim 8, comprising the further step of: connecting the user equipment to the user equipment during a retry time period, the connection retry time indication indicating receipt of the network indicating that the network is in the non- The coverage enhancement mode indicator of the enhanced mode is followed by a length of time that the user equipment should wait before attempting to connect to the network again. 一種將網路連接資訊提供給用戶設備以供連接到無線通訊網路之網路節點，該無線通訊網路被配置成根據將重複某一傳訊用於增加覆蓋之一覆蓋增強通訊模式且根據不重複該某一傳訊之一非覆蓋增強模式而支援與該用戶 設備間之通訊，該網路節點包含：資訊廣播電路，用以廣播其中包含與該網路有關的資訊之一主要資訊區塊以及其中包含與如何連接到該網路有關的資訊之系統資訊區塊；其中該網路節點可操作而藉由將一覆蓋增強模式指示符以信令通知目前並未被連接到該網路的用戶設備，而指示一現行操作模式，該覆蓋增強模式指示符向該用戶設備指示該網路節點目前是否正在該覆蓋增強模式中操作。 A network node for providing network connection information to a user equipment for connection to a wireless communication network, the wireless communication network being configured to enhance the communication mode according to one of repeating a certain communication for increasing coverage and not repeating the One of a messaging is not covered by the enhanced mode and is supported by the user Communication between devices, the network node includes: an information broadcast circuit for broadcasting a main information block containing information related to the network and a system information area containing information related to how to connect to the network Block; wherein the network node is operable to indicate a current mode of operation by signaling a coverage enhancement mode indicator to a user equipment that is not currently connected to the network, the coverage enhancement mode indicator The user equipment indicates whether the network node is currently operating in the coverage enhancement mode. 一種由用戶設備執行的取得用於連接到無線通訊網路的資訊之方法，該無線通訊網路被配置成根據將重複某一傳訊用於增加覆蓋之一覆蓋增強通訊模式且根據不重複該某一傳訊之一非覆蓋增強模式而支援與該用戶設備間之通訊，該方法包含下列步驟：當目前並未被連接到該網路時，接收用於指示該網路節點目前是否在該覆蓋增強模式中操作之一覆蓋增強模式指示符；以及當該覆蓋增強模式指示符指示該網路節點目前不在該覆蓋增強模式中操作時，自一現用模式切換到一休眠模式。 A method performed by a user equipment for obtaining information for connecting to a wireless communication network, the wireless communication network being configured to use an overlay to enhance coverage of one of the coverage enhancement communication modes and to not repeat the certain communication One of the non-coverage enhanced modes supports communication with the user equipment, the method comprising the steps of: when not currently connected to the network, receiving is used to indicate whether the network node is currently in the coverage enhancement mode One of the operations covers the enhanced mode indicator; and switches from an active mode to a sleep mode when the coverage enhanced mode indicator indicates that the network node is not currently operating in the coverage enhanced mode. 如申請專利範圍第11項之方法，其中在包含與該網路有關的資訊之一主要資訊區塊、包含與如何連接到該網路有關的資訊的複數個系統資訊區塊中之一第一系統資訊區塊、以及一呼叫訊息中之至少一者中接收該覆蓋增強模式指示符。 The method of claim 11, wherein one of the plurality of system information blocks including one of the information related to the network and the plurality of system information blocks including information related to how to connect to the network is first The coverage enhancement mode indicator is received in at least one of a system information block and a call message. 如申請專利範圍第11或12項之方法，包含處於該現用模式的該用戶設備執行之下列進一步的步驟：接收用於指示該網路節點正在切換到該非覆蓋增強模式之一呼叫訊息，且該用戶設備切換到該休眠模式而回應該呼叫訊息。 The method of claim 11 or 12, comprising the following further step performed by the user equipment in the active mode: receiving a call message indicating that the network node is switching to the non-coverage enhanced mode, and the The user equipment switches to the sleep mode and responds to the call message. 一種經由無線通訊網路而通訊之用戶設備，該無線通訊網路被配置成根據將重複某一傳訊用於增加覆蓋之一覆蓋增強通訊模式且根據不重複該某一傳訊之一非覆蓋增強模式而支援與該用戶設備間之通訊，該用戶設備包含：資訊接收電路，該資訊接收電路可操作而在該用戶設備並未被連接到該網路時接收用於指示該網路節點目前是否在該覆蓋增強模式中操作之一覆蓋增強模式指示符；以及控制電路，該控制電路被配置成：當該被接收之覆蓋增強模式指示符指示該網路節點目前不在該覆蓋增強模式中操作時，將該用戶設備自一現用模式切換到一休眠模式。 A user equipment communicating via a wireless communication network, the wireless communication network being configured to support one of the coverage enhancement communication modes for repeating a certain communication and to support the non-coverage enhancement mode according to one of the transmissions Communication with the user equipment, the user equipment comprising: an information receiving circuit operable to receive, when the user equipment is not connected to the network, indicating whether the network node is currently in the coverage One of the operations in the enhanced mode covers the enhanced mode indicator; and a control circuit configured to: when the received coverage enhanced mode indicator indicates that the network node is not currently operating in the coverage enhanced mode, The user equipment switches from an active mode to a sleep mode. 一種電腦程式，該電腦程式被配置成控制一資料處理設備執行根據申請專利範圍第1至9項以及第11至14項中之任一項之一方法。 A computer program configured to control a data processing device to perform a method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and 11 to 14.