WO2017039757A1

WO2017039757A1 - Periodic reading of synchronization channel for the internet of things

Info

Publication number: WO2017039757A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/025735
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bimil MATHAI
Original assignee: Intel IP Corporation
Priority date: 2015-08-28
Filing date: 2016-04-01
Publication date: 2017-03-09

Abstract

Technologies described herein provide reduced power consumption for Cellular Internet-of-Things (CIoT) devices. A CIoT timer value can be indicated by a wireless communication from a cellular base station to the CIoT device. The CIoT device can comprise a CIoT timer that tracks an amount of time elapsed since the CIoT device last decoded an Extended Coverage Synchronization Channel (EC-SCH). When the amount of time elapsed meets or exceeds the CIoT timer value, the CIoT device can again decode the EC-SCH. The CIoT timer value can indicate a minimum rate at which the CIoT device is expected to decode the EC-SCH, though the CIoT can elect to decode the EC-SCH more frequently. The cellular base station can determine when the CIoT device can be expected to use updated parameters that are included in the EC-SCH based on the CIoT timer value.

Description

PERIODIC READING OF SYNCHRONIZATION CHANNEL

FOR THE INTERNET OF THINGS

BACKGROUND

[0001] Wireless mobile communication technology uses various standards and protocols to transmit data between a node (e.g., a transmission station) and a wireless device (e.g., a mobile device). Standards and protocols that use orthogonal frequency- division multiplexing (OFDM) for signal transmission include the third generation partnership project (3 GPP) long term evolution (LTE), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.16 standard (e.g., 802.16e, 802.16m), which is commonly known to industry groups as WiMAX (Worldwide interoperability for Microwave Access), and the IEEE 802.11 standard, which is commonly known to industry groups as WiFi.

[0002] In 3GPP radio access network (RAN) LTE systems, the node in an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) system is referred to as an eNode B (also commonly denoted as evolved Node Bs, enhanced Node Bs, eNodeBs, or eNBs), which communicates with the wireless device, known as a user equipment (UE). The downlink (DL) transmission can be a communication from the node (e.g., eNodeB) to the wireless device (e.g., UE), and the uplink (UL) transmission can be a communication from the wireless device to the node.

[0003] In LTE, data can be transmitted from the eNodeB to the UE via a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH). A physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) can be used to acknowledge that data was received. Downlink and uplink channels or transmissions can use time-division duplexing (TDD) or frequency-division duplexing (FDD).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Features and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, features of the disclosure; and, wherein:

[0005] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating functionality of a CIoT device in accordance with an example; [0006] FIG. 2 illustrates functionality of a UE or CIoT device in accordance with an example;

[0007] FIG. 3 illustrates functionality of cellular base station in accordance with an example;

[0008] FIG. 4 provides an example illustration of a wireless device in accordance with an example;

[0009] FIG. 5 provides an example illustration of a user equipment (UE) device, such as a wireless device, a mobile station (MS), a mobile wireless device, a mobile communication device, a tablet, a handset, or other type of wireless device; and

[0010] FIG. 6 illustrates a diagram of a node (e.g., eNB and/or a Serving GPRS

Support Node) and a wireless device (e.g., UE) in accordance with an example.

[0011] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of is thereby intended.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Before some embodiments are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the claimed subject matter is not limited to the particular structures, process operations, or materials disclosed herein, but is extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. The same reference numerals in different drawings represent the same element. Numbers provided in flow charts and processes are provided for clarity in illustrating operations and do not necessarily indicate a particular order or sequence.

[0013] An initial overview of technology embodiments is provided below and then specific technology embodiments are described in further detail later. This initial summary is intended to aid readers in understanding the technology more quickly, but is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the technology nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0014] The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the growing network of physical devices (e.g., sensors, security systems, thermostats, and appliances) that have internet connectivity and to the communication that occurs between these physical devices and other Internet-connected devices and systems. The Cellular Internet of Things (CIoT) refers to IoT devices that are wirelessly connected to a network such as a private network, a public network, and/or the Internet through a cellular network. A CIoT device is therefore a wireless device that can achieve cellular connectivity. CIoT devices, such as sensors, can run on battery power and can be deployed in areas where wired Internet connectivity or wireless local area network (WLAN) connectivity is impractical or undesirable.

[0015] CIoT devices can, for example, comprise sensors that monitor

environmental conditions, such as ambient temperature, pressure, humidity, wind speed, and salinity. In some examples, one or more CIoT devices that periodically make measurements of environmental conditions can be placed at various locations throughout an environment and configured to wirelessly communicate the measurements that are made to a cellular base station. This type of arrangement can be referred to as a wireless sensor network (WSN). In one example, a number of CIoT devices comprising sensors that measure temperature can be placed throughout a forest that is within the coverage area of a cellular base station. The CIoT devices can be configured to periodically make temperature measurements and wirelessly send the temperature measurements to the cellular base station. The temperature measurements from the CIoT devices can then, in turn, be transferred, stored, and/or used for any suitable purpose, such as determining temperature trends and temperature distributions in the forest over time or determining when a forest fire is imminent.

[0016] Generally speaking, it is expected that many CIoT devices will be expected to operate at extreme Radio Frequency (RF) conditions, such as very low power level reception or high levels of interference. At such extreme RF conditions, multiple instances of transmissions may need to be received and combined in order to decode various channels. In addition, since batteries used by CIoT devices may have relatively small energy storage capacities and charging opportunities may be very infrequent, CIoT devices may also be configured to use power very efficiently.

[0017] In the Third Generation Partnership Project, there are currently two different proposals that are directed to providing solutions for the CIoT: Extended Coverage Global System for Mobiles (EC-GSM) and Narrowband Global System for Mobiles (N-GSM). EC-GSM is also known as Extended Coverage General Packet Radio Service (EC-GPRS) or Extended Coverage Enhanced General Packet Radio Service (EC- EGPRS). As used herein, the term EC-GSM is intended to include EC-GPRS and EC- EGPRS unless otherwise noted.

[0018] In EC-GSM, the Extended Coverage Synchronization Channel (EC-SCH) is used to transmit a parameter called BCCH CHANGE MARK that indicates whether the Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH) needs to be read again. The EC-SCH is also used to transmit cell parameters. These cell parameters can generally be modified at any time by the cellular network in which the EC-SCH is being used. However, there is currently not a definition or protocol in place that indicates when the EC-SCH should be refreshed to keep track of any changes in the parameters transmitted in the EC-SCH.

[0019] In accordance with the present disclosure, a timer value referred to herein as T CIoT sync refresh can be defined and can be added to a specification such as a 3GPP specification. The T CIoT sync refresh timer value can indicate to a CIoT device a rate at which the EC-SCH should be read in EC-GSM or the N-SCH should be read in N-GSM. After reading the EC-SCH, the CIoT device can determine whether to read the Extended Coverage Broadcast Control Channel (EC-BCCH) at a given point in time. The network, in turn, can elect not to change the parameters of the EC-SCH (except frame number) during a time duration defined by the T CIoT sync refresh timer value.

Alternatively, if the network does change any of the EC-SCH parameters during the time duration, the network can take the time duration defined by T CIoT sync refresh timer value into account and expect the CIoT device to start using the new parameters only after the CIoT device is scheduled to read the EC-SCH— and thus the EC-BCCH— again.

[0020] By limiting the number of times that the CIoT device is expected to read the EC-SCH and the EC-BCCH, the T CIoT sync refresh timer value can lead to more efficient power consumption at the CIoT device. The T CIoT sync refresh timer value can also clearly define a timeframe in which a network can expect the CIoT device to start using the updated parameters (e.g., BCCH CHANGE MARK) that are transmitted on the EC-SCH. In one embodiment, the T CIoT sync refresh timer value can indicate a minimum frequency or rate at which the CIoT device is to decode the EC-SCH; the CIoT device can be free to decode the EC-SCH at a higher frequency or rate (i.e., more often), but not at a frequency or rate that is lower than the minimum frequency or rate set by the T CIoT sync refresh timer value.

[0021] In one example, the network may select the value of the

T CIoT sync refresh timer. In another example, the value of the T CIoT sync refresh timer may be a multiple of a Discontinuous Reception (DRX) period for the network. In another example, the T CIoT sync refresh timer value can be added to System

Information (SI) defined by EC-GSM, N-GSM, or some other CIoT solution proposal. In one embodiment, the SI can indicate to a CIoT device whether to use a default value for the T CIoT sync refresh timer or a value provided in the SI.

[0022] After a CIoT device reads or attempts to read the EC-SCH, the CIoT device can reset and restart a CIoT timer that tracks an amount of time elapsed since the EC-SCH was last read (or attempted to be read). Once the amount of time elapsed, as measured by the CIoT timer, meets or exceeds the T CIoT sync refresh timer value, the CIoT device can attempt to read the EC-SCH again. If the CIoT device fails to decode the EC-SCH, the CIoT device can retry a complete synchronization procedure for the serving carrier. If this fails, the CIoT device can initiate a cell selection/reselection procedure to regain service. Alternatively, if the decoding succeeds, the CIoT device can reset and restart the CIoT timer. In EC-GSM, the BCCH CHANGE MARK parameter can indicate to the CIoT device whether the EC-BCCH is also to be read again.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating functionality 100 of a CIoT device in accordance with an example. The functionality 100 can be implemented as a method or the functionality can be executed as instructions on a machine (e.g., by one or more processors), where the instructions are included on at least one computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium).

[0024] As in block 102, the functionality 100 can include a starting point at which a sequence of the functionality 100 commences.

[0025] As in block 104, the functionality 100 can include booting up the CIoT device.

[0026] As in block 106, the functionality 100 can include reading a Frequency

Correction Channel (FCCH), an EC-SCH, and an EC-BCCH, then moving into an idle mode.

[0027] As in block 108, the functionality 100 can include starting a timer such as a T CIoT sync refresh timer that keeps track of an amount time elapsed since the EC- SCH was read.

[0028] As in block 110, the functionality 100 can include periodically waking up and reading paging messages received at the CIoT device. [0029] As in block 112, the functionality 100 can include detecting whether a

T CIoT sync refresh timeout (e.g., a point at which the amount time elapsed since the EC-SCH was read meets or exceeds a T CIoT sync refresh timer value) has occurred. If a T CIoT sync refresh timeout has not occurred, the functionality can cycle back to block 110 as shown.

[0030] As in block 114, when a T CIoT sync refresh timeout has occurred, the functionality 100 can include reading or attempting to read the EC-SCH again.

[0031] As in block 116, the functionality 100 can include detecting whether the

EC-SCH has been correctly decoded at the CIoT device. If the EC-SCH has been correctly decoded, the action of block 126 can proceed. Otherwise, if the EC-SCH has not been correctly decoded, the action of block 118 can proceed.

[0032] As in block 118, the functionality 100 can include starting a fresh synchronization procedure at the CIoT device. The CIoT device can attempt to decode the FCCH and the EC-SCH as part of the synchronization procedure.

[0033] As in block 120, the functionality 100 can include detecting whether the

FCCH and the EC-SCH were decoded correctly. If the FCCH and the EC-SCH were not decoded correctly, the action of block 122 can proceed. Otherwise, the action of block 132 can proceed.

[0034] As in block 122, the functionality 100 can include starting a cell (re)- selection procedure at the CIoT device in order to regain service with the cellular network at the CIoT device.

[0035] As in block 122, the functionality 100 can include an ending point at which a sequence of the functionality 100 terminates.

[0036] As in block 126, when the EC-SCH is correctly decoded, the functionality 100 can include resetting and restarting the timer associated with the

T CIoT sync refresh timer value.

[0037] As in block 128, the functionality 100 can include detecting whether there is BCCH information to be read (e.g., based on a change in the

BCCH CHANGE MARK parameter). If there is BCCH information to be read, the action of block 130 can proceed. Otherwise, the action of block 132 can proceed.

[0038] As in block 130, the functionality 100 can include reading or re-reading the EC-BCCH. [0039] As in block 132, the functionality 100 can include going to sleep and cycling back to block 1 10.

[0040] FIG. 2 illustrates functionality 200 of a UE or CIoT device in accordance with an example. The functionality 200 can be implemented as a method or the functionality can be executed as instructions on a machine (e.g., by one or more processors), where the instructions are included on at least one computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium).

[0041] As in block 210, the functionality 200 can include identifying a CIoT timer value indicated by a wireless communication received via one or more antennas at the CIoT device from a cellular base station. The CIoT timer value can be, for example, a predefined default value or can be a value that is equal to a product defined by the expression N^■ DRX_period, where N is a nonnegative integer and DRX_period is a length or duration of a Discontinuous Reception (DRX) period. The wireless communication can be a system information message that includes a parameter indicating the CIoT timer value. The CIoT timer can be a T CIoT sync refresh timer (or can be otherwise associated with a T CIoT sync refresh timer).

[0042] As in block 220, the functionality 200 can include attempting to decode a first Extended Coverage Synchronization Channel (EC-SCH) transmission received wirelessly via the one or more antennas at the CIoT device from the cellular base station.

[0043] As in block 230, the functionality 200 can include resetting and restarting a CIoT timer that tracks an amount of time elapsed since attempting to decode the first EC-SCH transmission.

[0044] As in block 240, the functionality 200 can include determining that the amount of time elapsed, as tracked by the CIoT timer, meets or exceeds the CIoT timer value.

[0045] As in block 250, the functionality 200 can include attempting to decode a second EC-SCH transmission received wirelessly via the one or more antennas at the CIoT Device from the cellular base station based on the determination that the amount of time elapsed meets or exceeds the CIoT timer value.

[0046] In addition, the functionality 200 can include detecting that the first EC-

SCH transmission was not successfully decoded at the CIoT device after determining that the amount of time elapsed, as tracked by the CIoT timer, meets or exceeds the CIoT timer value. The functionality 200 can also include attempting to decode a Frequency Correction Channel (FCCH) transmission as part of a complete synchronization procedure. Furthermore, the functionality 200 can include detecting that the second EC- SCH transmission was not successfully decoded at the CIoT device or that the FCCH transmission was not successfully decoded at the CIoT device. If such a decoding failure is detected, the functionality 200 can also include initiating a cell reselection procedure at the CIoT device in order to regain wireless service for the CIoT device.

[0047] FIG. 3 illustrates functionality 300 of cellular base station in accordance with an example. The functionality 300 can be implemented as a method or the functionality can be executed as instructions on a machine (e.g., by one or more processors), where the instructions are included on at least one computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium).

[0048] As in block 310, the functionality 300 can include identifying a Cellular

Internet-of-Things (CIoT) timer value for a mobile station in a coverage area of the cellular base station, wherein the CIoT timer value indicates a rate or frequency at which the mobile station is to attempt to decode Extended Coverage Synchronization Channel (EC-SCH) transmissions.

[0049] The CIoT timer value can be, for example, a predefined default value or can be equal to a product defined by the expression N^■ DRX_period, where N is a nonnegative integer and DRX_period is a length or duration of a Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycle. The wireless communication can be a system information message that includes a parameter indicating the CIoT timer value. The CIoT timer can be a

T CIoT sync refresh timer.

[0050] As in block 320, the functionality 300 can include signaling transceiver circuitry at the cellular base station to send a wireless communication to the mobile station, wherein the wireless communication indicates the CIoT timer value.

[0051] As in block 330, the functionality 300 can include signaling the transceiver circuitry at the cellular base station to send an EC-SCH transmission to the mobile station including one or more parameter values.

[0052] The functionality 300 can also include determining that the amount of time indicated by the CIoT timer value has elapsed since the sending of the EC-SCH transmission. The functionality 300 can also include modifying the one or more parameter values and signaling the transceiver circuitry at the cellular base station to send an updated EC-SCH transmission to the mobile station including the one or more parameter values as modified.

[0053] FIG. 4 provides an example illustration of a mobile device, such as a user equipment (UE), a mobile station (MS), a mobile wireless device, a mobile

communication device, a tablet, a handset, a CIoT device, or other type of wireless device. The mobile device can include one or more antennas configured to communicate with a node, macro node, low power node (LPN), or, transmission station, such as a base station (BS), an evolved Node B (eNB), a baseband processing unit (BBU), a remote radio head (RRH), a remote radio equipment (RRE), a relay station (RS), a radio equipment (RE), or other type of wireless wide area network (WW AN) access point. The mobile device can be configured to communicate using at least one wireless

communication standard such as, but not limited to, 3 GPP LTE, WiMAX, High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), Bluetooth, and WiFi. The mobile device can communicate using separate antennas for each wireless communication standard or shared antennas for multiple wireless communication standards. The mobile device can communicate in a wireless local area network (WLAN), a wireless personal area network (WPAN), and/or a WWAN.

[0054] The mobile device can also comprise a wireless modem. The wireless modem can comprise, for example, a wireless radio transceiver and baseband circuitry (e.g., a baseband processor). The wireless modem can, in one example, modulate signals that the mobile device transmits via the one or more antennas and demodulate signals that the mobile device receives via the one or more antennas.

[0055] The mobile device can include a storage medium. In one aspect, the storage medium can be associated with and/or communication with the application processor, the graphics processor, the display, the non-volatile memory port, and/or internal memory. In one aspect, the application processor and graphics processor are storage mediums.

[0056] FIG. 4 also provides an illustration of a microphone and one or more speakers that can be used for audio input and output from the mobile device. The display screen can be a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, or other type of display screen such as an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display. The display screen can be configured as a touch screen. The touch screen can use capacitive, resistive, or another type of touch screen technology. An application processor and a graphics processor can be coupled to internal memory to provide processing and display capabilities. A non-volatile memory port can also be used to provide data input/output options to a user. The non-volatile memory port can also be used to expand the memory capabilities of the mobile device. A keyboard can be integrated with the mobile device or wirelessly connected to the wireless device to provide additional user input. A virtual keyboard can also be provided using the touch screen.

[0057] FIG. 5 provides an example illustration of a user equipment (UE) device

500, such as a wireless device, a mobile station (MS), a mobile wireless device, a mobile communication device, a tablet, a handset, a CIoT device, or other type of wireless device. The UE device 500 can include one or more antennas configured to communicate with a node or transmission station, such as a base station (BS), an evolved Node B (eNB), a baseband unit (BBU), a remote radio head (RRH), a remote radio equipment (RRE), a relay station (RS), a radio equipment (RE), a remote radio unit (RRU), a central processing module (CPM), or other type of wireless wide area network (WW AN) access point. The UE device 500 can be configured to communicate using at least one wireless communication standard such as, but not limited to, 3 GPP LTE, WiMAX, High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), Bluetooth, and WiFi. The UE device 500 can communicate using separate antennas for each wireless communication standard or shared antennas for multiple wireless communication standards. The UE device 500 can communicate in a wireless local area network (WLAN), a wireless personal area network (WPAN), and/or a WWAN.

[0058] In some embodiments, the UE device 500 may include application circuitry 502, baseband circuitry 504, Radio Frequency (RF) circuitry 506, front-end module (FEM) circuitry 508 and one or more antennas 510, coupled together at least as shown.

[0059] The application circuitry 502 may include one or more application processors. For example, the application circuitry 502 may include circuitry such as, but not limited to, one or more single-core or multi-core processors. The processor(s) may include any combination of general-purpose processors and dedicated processors (e.g., graphics processors, application processors, etc.). The processors may be coupled with and/or may include memory /storage (e.g., storage medium 512) and may be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory /storage (e.g., storage medium 512) to enable various applications and/or operating systems to run on the system.

[0060] The baseband circuitry 504 may include circuitry such as, but not limited to, one or more single-core or multi-core processors. The baseband circuitry 504 may include one or more baseband processors and/or control logic to process baseband signals received from a receive signal path of the RF circuitry 506 and to generate baseband signals for a transmit signal path of the RF circuitry 506. Baseband processing circuity 504 may interface with the application circuitry 502 for generation and processing of the baseband signals and for controlling operations of the RF circuitry 506. For example, in some embodiments, the baseband circuitry 504 may include a second generation (2G) baseband processor 504a, third generation (3G) baseband processor 504b, fourth generation (4G) baseband processor 504c, and/or other baseband processor(s) 504d for other existing generations, generations in development or to be developed in the future (e.g., fifth generation (5G), 6G, etc.). The baseband circuitry 504 (e.g., one or more of baseband processors 504a-d) may handle various radio control functions that

enable communication with one or more radio networks via the RF circuitry 506. The radio control functions may include, but are not limited to, signal

modulation/demodulation, encoding/decoding, radio frequency shifting, etc. In some embodiments, modulation/demodulation circuitry of the baseband circuitry 504 may include Fast-Fourier Transform (FFT), precoding, and/or constellation

mapping/demapping functionality. In some embodiments, encoding/decoding circuitry of the baseband circuitry 504 may include convolution, tail-biting convolution, turbo, Viterbi, and/or Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) encoder/decoder functionality.

Embodiments of modulation/demodulation and encoder/decoder functionality are not limited to these examples and may include other suitable functionality in other embodiments.

[0061] In some embodiments, the baseband circuitry 504 may include elements of a protocol stack such as, for example, elements of an evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (EUTRAN) protocol including, for example, physical (PHY), media access control (MAC), radio link control (RLC), packet data convergence protocol

(PDCP), and/or radio resource control (RRC) elements. A central processing unit (CPU) 504e of the baseband circuitry 504 may be configured to run elements of the protocol stack for signaling of the PHY, MAC, RLC, PDCP and/or RRC layers. In some embodiments, the baseband circuitry may include one or more audio digital signal processor(s) (DSP) 504f. The audio DSP(s) 504f may include elements for

compression/decompression and echo cancellation and may include other suitable processing elements in other embodiments. Components of the baseband circuitry may be suitably combined in a single chip, a single chipset, or disposed on a same circuit board in some embodiments. In some embodiments, some or all of the constituent components of the baseband circuitry 504 and the application circuitry 502 may be implemented together such as, for example, on a system on a chip (SOC).

[0062] In some embodiments, the baseband circuitry 504 may provide for communication compatible with one or more radio technologies. For example, in some embodiments, the baseband circuitry 504 may support communication with an evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (EUTRAN) and/or other wireless metropolitan area networks (WMAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a wireless personal area network (WPAN). Embodiments in which the baseband circuitry 504 is configured to support radio communications of more than one wireless protocol may be referred to as multi-mode baseband circuitry.

[0063] The RF circuitry 506 may enable communication with wireless networks using modulated electromagnetic radiation through a non-solid medium. In various embodiments, the RF circuitry 506 may include switches, filters, amplifiers, etc. to facilitate the communication with the wireless network. RF circuitry 506 may include a receive signal path which may include circuitry to down-convert RF signals received from the FEM circuitry 508 and provide baseband signals to the baseband circuitry 504. RF circuitry 506 may also include a transmit signal path which may include circuitry to up-convert baseband signals provided by the baseband circuitry 504 and provide RF output signals to the FEM circuitry 508 for transmission.

[0064] In some embodiments, the RF circuitry 506 may include a receive signal path and a transmit signal path. The receive signal path of the RF circuitry 506 may include mixer circuitry 506a, amplifier circuitry 506b and filter circuitry 506c. The transmit signal path of the RF circuitry 506 may include filter circuitry 506c and mixer circuitry 506a. RF circuitry 506 may also include synthesizer circuitry 506d for synthesizing a frequency for use by the mixer circuitry 506a of the receive signal path and the transmit signal path. In some embodiments, the mixer circuitry 506a of the receive signal path may be configured to down-convert RF signals received from the FEM circuitry 508 based on the synthesized frequency provided by synthesizer circuitry 506d. The amplifier circuitry 506b may be configured to amplify the down-converted signals and the filter circuitry 506c may be a low-pass filter (LPF) or band-pass filter (BPF) configured to remove unwanted signals from the down-converted signals to generate output baseband signals. Output baseband signals may be provided to the baseband circuitry 504 for further processing. In some embodiments, the output baseband signals may be zero-frequency baseband signals, although other types of baseband signals may be used. In some embodiments, mixer circuitry 506a of the receive signal path may comprise passive mixers, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect.

[0065] In some embodiments, the mixer circuitry 506a of the transmit signal path may be configured to up-convert input baseband signals based on the synthesized frequency provided by the synthesizer circuitry 506d to generate RF output signals for the FEM circuitry 508. The baseband signals may be provided by the baseband circuitry 504 and may be filtered by filter circuitry 506c. The filter circuitry 506c may include a low- pass filter (LPF), although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect.

[0066] In some embodiments, the mixer circuitry 506a of the receive signal path and the mixer circuitry 506a of the transmit signal path may include two or more mixers and may be arranged for quadrature down-conversion and/or up-conversion respectively. In some embodiments, the mixer circuitry 506a of the receive signal path and the mixer circuitry 506a of the transmit signal path may include two or more mixers and may be arranged for image rejection (e.g., Hartley image rejection). In some embodiments, the mixer circuitry 506a of the receive signal path and the mixer circuitry 506a may be arranged for direct down-conversion and/or direct up-conversion, respectively. In some embodiments, the mixer circuitry 506a of the receive signal path and the mixer circuitry 506a of the transmit signal path may be configured for super-heterodyne operation.

[0067] In some embodiments, the output baseband signals and the input baseband signals may be analog baseband signals, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect. In some alternate embodiments, the output baseband signals and the input baseband signals may be digital baseband signals. In these alternate

embodiments, the RF circuitry 506 may include analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and digital-to-analog converter (DAC) circuitry and the baseband circuitry 504 may include a digital baseband interface to communicate with the RF circuitry 506. [0068] In some dual-mode embodiments, a separate radio IC circuitry may be provided for processing signals for each spectrum, although the scope of the

embodiments is not limited in this respect.

[0069] In some embodiments, the synthesizer circuitry 506d may be a fractional- N synthesizer or a fractional N/N+l synthesizer, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect as other types of frequency synthesizers may be suitable. For example, synthesizer circuitry 506d may be a delta-sigma synthesizer, a frequency multiplier, or a synthesizer comprising a phase-locked loop with a frequency divider.

[0070] The synthesizer circuitry 506d may be configured to synthesize an output frequency for use by the mixer circuitry 506a of the RF circuitry 506 based on a frequency input and a divider control input. In some embodiments, the synthesizer circuitry 506d may be a fractional N/N+l synthesizer.

[0071] In some embodiments, frequency input may be provided by a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO), although other types of devices may provide the frequency input. Divider control input may be provided by either the baseband circuitry 504 or the applications processor 502 depending on the desired output frequency. In some embodiments, a divider control input (e.g., N) may be determined from a look-up table based on a channel indicated by the applications processor 502.

[0072] Synthesizer circuitry 506d of the RF circuitry 506 may include a divider, a delay-locked loop (DLL), a multiplexer and a phase accumulator. In some embodiments, the divider may be a dual modulus divider (DMD) and the phase accumulator may be a digital phase accumulator (DP A). In some embodiments, the DMD may be configured to divide the input signal by either N or N+l (e.g., based on a carry out) to provide a fractional division ratio. In some example embodiments, the DLL may include a set of cascaded, tunable, delay elements, a phase detector, a charge pump and a D-type flip-flop. In these embodiments, the delay elements may be configured to break a VCO period up into Nd equal packets of phase, where Nd is the number of delay elements in the delay line. In this way, the DLL provides negative feedback to help ensure that the total delay through the delay line is one VCO cycle.

[0073] In some embodiments, synthesizer circuitry 506d may be configured to generate a carrier frequency as the output frequency, while in other embodiments, the output frequency may be a multiple of the carrier frequency (e.g., twice the carrier frequency, four times the carrier frequency) and used in conjunction with quadrature generator and divider circuitry to generate multiple signals at the carrier frequency with multiple different phases with respect to each other. In some embodiments, the output frequency may be a LO frequency (fLO). In some embodiments, the RF circuitry 506 may include an IQ/polar converter.

[0074] FEM circuitry 508 may include a receive signal path which may include circuitry configured to operate on RF signals received from one or more antennas 510, amplify the received signals and provide the amplified versions of the received signals to the RF circuitry 506 for further processing. FEM circuitry 508 may also include a transmit signal path which may include circuitry configured to amplify signals for transmission provided by the RF circuitry 506 for transmission by one or more of the one or more antennas 510.

[0075] In some embodiments, the FEM circuitry 508 may include a TX/RX switch to switch between transmit mode and receive mode operation. The FEM circuitry may include a receive signal path and a transmit signal path. The receive signal path of the FEM circuitry may include a low-noise amplifier (LNA) to amplify received RF signals and provide the amplified received RF signals as an output (e.g., to the RF circuitry 506). The transmit signal path of the FEM circuitry 508 may include a power amplifier (PA) to amplify input RF signals (e.g., provided by RF circuitry 506), and one or more filters to generate RF signals for subsequent transmission (e.g., by one or more of the one or more antennas 510.

[0076] In some embodiments, the UE device 500 may include additional elements such as, for example, memory /storage, display (e.g., touch screen), camera, antennas, keyboard, microphone, speakers, sensor, and/or input/output (I/O) interface.

[0077] FIG. 6 illustrates a diagram 600 of a node 610 (e.g., eNB and/or a Serving GPRS Support Node) and a wireless device 620 (e.g., UE) in accordance with an example. The node can include a base station (BS), a Node B (NB), an evolved Node B (eNB), a baseband unit (BBU), a remote radio head (RRH), a remote radio equipment (RRE), a remote radio unit (RRU), or a central processing module (CPM). In one aspect, the node can be a Serving GPRS Support Node. The node 610 can include a node device 612. The node device 612 or the node 610 can be configured to communicate with the wireless device 620. The node device 612 can be configured to implement technologies described herein. The node device 612 can include a processing module 614 and a transceiver module 616. In one aspect, the node device 612 can include the transceiver module 616 and the processing module 614 forming a circuitry for the node 610. In one aspect, the transceiver module 616 and the processing module 614 can form a circuitry of the node device 612. The processing module 614 can include one or more processors and memory. In one embodiment, the processing module 622 can include one or more application processors. The transceiver module 616 can include a transceiver and one or more processors and memory. In one embodiment, the transceiver module 616 can include a baseband processor. In some examples, components of the transceiver module 616 can be included in separate devices.

[0078] The wireless device 620 can include a transceiver module 624 and a processing module 622. The processing module 622 can include one or more processors and memory. In one embodiment, the processing module 622 can include one or more application processors. The transceiver module 624 can include a transceiver and one or more processors and memory. In one embodiment, the transceiver module 624 can include a baseband processor. The wireless device 620 can be configured to implement technologies described herein. The node 610 and the wireless devices 620 can also include one or more storage mediums, such as the transceiver module 616, 624 and/or the processing module 614, 622.

Examples

[0079] The following examples pertain to specific embodiments and point out specific features, elements, or steps that can be used or otherwise combined in achieving such embodiments.

[0080] Example 1 includes an apparatus of a Cellular Internet-of-Things (CIoT) device that supports Extended Coverage Global System for Mobiles (EC-GSM), the apparatus comprising one or more processors and memory configured to: identify a CIoT timer value indicated by a wireless communication received via one or more antennas at the CIoT device from a cellular base station; attempt to decode a first Extended Coverage Synchronization Channel (EC-SCH) transmission received wirelessly via the one or more antennas at the CIoT device from the cellular base station; reset and restart a CIoT timer that tracks an amount of time elapsed since attempting to decode the first EC-SCH transmission; determine that the amount of time elapsed, as tracked by the CIoT timer, meets or exceeds the CIoT timer value; and attempt to decode a second EC-SCH transmission received wirelessly via the one or more antennas at the CIoT Device from the cellular base station based on the determination that the amount of time elapsed meets or exceeds the CIoT timer value.

[0081] In example 2, the subject matter of example 1 or any of the examples described herein may further include that the CIoT timer value is a predefined default value.

[0082] In example 3, the subject matter of example 1 or any of the Examples described herein may further include that the CIoT timer value is equal to a product defined by the expression N^■ DRX_period, where N is a nonnegative integer and

DRX_period is a length or duration of a Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycle.

[0083] In example 4, the subject matter of example 1 or any of the examples described herein may further include that the CIoT timer value is a predefined default value or the CIoT timer value is equal to a product defined by the expression N^■ DRX_period, where N is a nonnegative integer and DRX_period is a length or duration of a Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycle.

[0084] In example 5, the subject matter of example 1 , 3, 4, or any of the examples described herein may further include that the wireless communication is a system information message that includes a parameter indicating the CIoT timer value.

[0085] In example 6, the subject matter of example 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, or any of the examples described herein may further include that the one or more processors and memory are further configured to: detect that the first EC-SCH transmission was not successfully decoded at the CIoT device after determining that the amount of time elapsed, as tracked by the CIoT timer, meets or exceeds the CIoT timer value; attempt to decode a Frequency Correction Channel (FCCH) transmission as part of a complete synchronization procedure; detect that the second EC-SCH transmission was not successfully decoded at the CIoT device or that the FCCH transmission was not successfully decoded at the CIoT device; and initiate a cell reselection procedure at the CIoT device in order to regain wireless service for the CIoT device.

[0086] In example 7, the subject matter of example 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or any of the examples described herein may further include that the CIoT timer is a

T CIoT sync refresh timer. [0087] In example 8, the subject matter of example 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or any of the examples described herein may further include that the one or more processors include a baseband processor.

[0088] Example 9 includes an apparatus of an cellular base station that supports Extended Coverage Global System for Mobiles (EC-GSM), the apparatus comprising one or more processors and memory configured to: identify a Cellular Internet-of-Things (CIoT) timer value for a mobile station in a coverage area of the cellular base station, wherein the CIoT timer value indicates a rate or frequency at which the mobile station is to attempt to decode Extended Coverage Synchronization Channel (EC-SCH) transmissions; signal transceiver circuitry at the cellular base station to send a wireless communication to the mobile station, wherein the wireless communication indicates the CIoT timer value; and signal the transceiver circuitry at the cellular base station to send an EC-SCH transmission to the mobile station including one or more parameter values.

[0089] In example 10, the subject matter of example 9 or any of the examples described herein may further include that the CIoT timer value is a predefined default value.

[0090] In example 1 1, the subject matter of example 9 or any of the examples described herein may further include that the CIoT timer value is equal to a product defined by the expression N^■ DRX_period, where N is a nonnegative integer and

DRX_period is a length or duration of a Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycle.

[0091] In example 12, the subject matter of example 9 or any of the examples described herein may further include that the CIoT timer value is a predefined default value or the CIoT timer value is equal to a product defined by the expression N^■ DRX_period, where N is a nonnegative integer and DRX_period is a length or duration of a Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycle.

[0092] In example 13, the subject matter of example 9, 1 1, 12, or any of the examples described herein may further include that the wireless communication is a system information message that includes a parameter indicating the CIoT timer value.

[0093] In example 14, the subject matter of example 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, or any of the examples described herein may further include that the CIoT timer is a

T CIoT sync refresh timer. [0094] In example 15, the subject matter of example 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14, or any of the examples described herein may further include that the one or more processors and memory are further configured to: modify the one or more parameter values; signal the transceiver circuitry at the cellular base station to send an updated EC-SCH transmission to the mobile station including the one or more parameter values as modified; monitor an amount of time that has elapsed since the sending of the EC-SCH transmission; and apply the updated one or more parameter values, as modified, to communications with the mobile device when the amount of time that has elapsed since the sending of the EC-SCH transmission exceeds the CIoT timer value.

[0095] In example 16, the subject matter of example 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14, 15, or any of the examples described herein may further include that wherein the one or more processors include a baseband processor.

[0096] Example 17 includes a computer-readable medium containing instructions thereon that, when executed by one or more processors, perform the following:

identifying a Cellular Internet-of-Things (CIoT) timer value indicated by a wireless communication received via one or more antennas at a mobile station from a cellular base station; attempting to decode a first Synchronization Channel (SCH) transmission received wirelessly via the one or more antennas at the mobile station from the cellular base station; resetting and restarting a CIoT timer that tracks an amount of time elapsed since attempting to the first SCH transmission; determining that the amount of time elapsed, as tracked by the CIoT timer, meets or exceeds the CIoT timer value; and attempting to decode a second SCH transmission received wirelessly via the one or more antennas at the mobile station from the cellular base station based on the determination that the amount of time elapsed meets or exceeds the CIoT timer value.

[0097] In example 18, the subject matter of example 17 or any of the examples described herein may further include that the CIoT timer value is a predefined default value.

[0098] In example 19, the subject matter of example 17 or any of the examples described herein may further include that the CIoT timer value is equal to a product defined by the expression N^■ DRX_period, where N is a nonnegative integer and

DRX_period is a length or duration of a Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycle. [0099] In example 20, the subject matter of example 17 or any of the examples described herein may further include that the CIoT timer value is a predefined default value or the CIoT timer value is equal to a product defined by the expression N^■

DRX_period, where N is a nonnegative integer and DRX_period is a length or duration of a Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycle.

[00100] In example 21, the subject matter of example 17, 19, 20, or any of the examples described herein may further include that the wireless communication is a system information message that includes a parameter indicating the CIoT timer value.

[00101] In example 22, the subject matter of example 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, or any of the examples described herein may further include that the CIoT timer is a

T CIoT sync refresh timer.

[00102] In example 23, the subject matter of example 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, or any of the examples described herein may further include that the computer-readable medium further comprising instructions thereon which, when executed by one or more processors, perform the following: detecting that the first SCH transmission was not successfully decoded at the mobile station after determining that the amount of time elapsed, as tracked by the CIoT timer, meets or exceeds the CIoT timer value; attempting to decode a Frequency Correction Channel (FCCH) transmission as part of a synchronization procedure; detecting that the second SCH transmission was not successfully decoded at the mobile station or that the FCCH transmission was not successfully decoded at the mobile station; and initiating a cell reselection procedure at the mobile station in order to regain wireless service for the mobile station.

[00103] In example 24, the subject matter of example 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 , 22, 23, or any of the examples described herein may further include that the first SCH transmission and the second SCH transmission are Extended Coverage Synchronization Control Channel (EC-SCH) transmissions.

[00104] In example 25, the subject matter of example 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 , 22, 23, 24, or any of the examples described herein may further include that the first SCH

transmission and the second SCH transmission are Narrowband Synchronization Channel (N-SCH) transmissions.

[00105] Example 26 includes a means for reading a synchronization channel, the means comprising: a means for identifying a Cellular Internet-of-Things (CIoT) timer value indicated by a wireless communication received via one or more antennas at a mobile station from a cellular base station; a means for attempting to decode a first Synchronization Channel (SCH) transmission received wirelessly via the one or more antennas at the mobile station from the cellular base station; a means for resetting and restarting a CIoT timer that tracks an amount of time elapsed since attempting to the first SCH transmission; a means for determining that the amount of time elapsed, as tracked by the CIoT timer, meets or exceeds the CIoT timer value; and a means for attempting to decode a second SCH transmission received wirelessly via the one or more antennas at the mobile station from the cellular base station based on the determination that the amount of time elapsed meets or exceeds the CIoT timer value.

[00106] In example 27, the subject matter of example 26 or any of the examples described herein may further include that the CIoT timer value is a predefined default value.

[00107] In example 27, the subject matter of example 26 or any of the examples described herein may further include that the CIoT timer value is equal to a product defined by the expression N^■ DRX_period, where N is a nonnegative integer and

DRX_period is a length or duration of a Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycle.

[00108] In example 28, the subject matter of example 26 or any of the examples described herein may further include that the wireless communication is a system information message that includes a parameter indicating the CIoT timer value.

[00109] In example 29, the subject matter of example 26 or any of the examples described herein may further include that the CIoT timer is a T CIoT sync refresh timer.

[00110] In example 30, the subject matter of example 26 or any of the examples described herein may further include that the means for reading a synchronization channel further comprises: a means for detecting that the first SCH transmission was not successfully decoded at the mobile station after determining that the amount of time elapsed, as tracked by the CIoT timer, meets or exceeds the CIoT timer value; a means for attempting to decode a Frequency Correction Channel (FCCH) transmission as part of a synchronization procedure; a means for detecting that the second SCH transmission was not successfully decoded at the mobile station or that the FCCH transmission was not successfully decoded at the mobile station; and a means for initiating a cell reselection procedure at the mobile station in order to regain wireless service for the mobile station. [00111] In example 31, the subject matter of example 26 or any of the examples described herein may further include that the first SCH transmission and the second SCH transmission are Extended Coverage Synchronization Control Channel (EC-SCH) transmissions.

[00112] In example 32, the subject matter of example 26 or any of the examples described herein may further include that the first SCH transmission and the second SCH transmission are Narrowband Synchronization Channel (N-SCH) transmissions.

[00113] Various techniques, or certain aspects or portions thereof, may take the form of program code (i.e., instructions) embodied in tangible media, such as floppy diskettes, compact disc-read-only memory (CD-ROMs), hard drives, non-transitory computer readable storage medium, or any other machine-readable storage medium wherein, when the program code is loaded into and executed by a machine, such as a computer, the machine becomes an apparatus for practicing the various techniques. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium can be a computer readable storage medium that does not include signal. In the case of program code execution on programmable computers, the computing device may include a processor, a storage medium readable by the processor (including volatile and non-volatile memory and/or storage elements), at least one input device, and at least one output device. The volatile and non-volatile memory and/or storage elements may be a random-access memory (RAM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), flash drive, optical drive, magnetic hard drive, solid state drive, or other medium for storing electronic data. The node and wireless device may also include a transceiver module (i.e., transceiver), a counter module (i.e., counter), a processing module (i.e., processor), and/or a clock module (i.e., clock) or timer module (i.e., timer). One or more programs that may implement or utilize the various techniques described herein may use an application programming interface (API), reusable controls, and the like. Such programs may be implemented in a high level procedural or object oriented programming language to communicate with a computer system. However, the program(s) may be implemented in assembly or machine language, if desired. In any case, the language may be a compiled or interpreted language, and combined with hardware implementations.

[00114] As used herein, the term "circuitry" may refer to, be part of, or include an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group), and/or memory (shared, dedicated, or group) that execute one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality. In some embodiments, the circuitry may be implemented in, or functions associated with the circuitry may be implemented by, one or more software or firmware modules. In some embodiments, circuitry may include logic, at least partially operable in hardware.

[00115] While the flowcharts presented for this technology may imply a specific order of execution, the order of execution may differ from what is illustrated. For example, the order of two more blocks may be rearranged relative to the order shown. Further, two or more blocks shown in succession may be executed in parallel or with partial parallelization. In some configurations, one or more blocks shown in the flow chart may be omitted or skipped. Any number of counters, state variables, warning semaphores, or messages may be added to the logical flow for enhanced utility, accounting, performance, measurement, troubleshooting, or other purposes.

[00116] As used herein, the word "or" indicates an inclusive disjunction. For example, as used herein, the phrase "A or B" represents an inclusive disjunction of exemplary conditions A and B. Hence, "A or B" is false only if both condition A is false and condition B is false. When condition A is true and condition B is also true, "A or B" is also true. When condition A is true and condition B is false, "A or B" is true. When condition B is true and condition A is false, "A or B" is true. In other words, the term "or," as used herein, should not be construed as an exclusive disjunction. The term "xor" is used where an exclusive disjunction is intended.

[00117] As used herein, the term processor can include general-purpose processors, specialized processors such as VLSI, FPGAs, and other types of specialized processors, as well as base-band processors used in transceivers to send, receive, and process wireless communications.

[00118] It should be understood that many of the functional units described in this specification have been labeled as modules, in order to more particularly emphasize their implementation independence. For example, a module can be implemented as a hardware circuit (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) comprising custom VLSI circuits or gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components. A module can also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices or the like. [00119] Modules can also be implemented in software for execution by various types of processors. An identified module of executable code can, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions, which can, for instance, be organized as an object, procedure, or function. Nevertheless, the executables of an identified module do not have to be physically located together, but can comprise disparate instructions stored in different locations which, when joined logically together, comprise the module and achieve the stated purpose for the module.

[00120] Indeed, a module of executable code can be a single instruction, or many instructions, and can even be distributed over several different code segments, among different programs, and across several memory devices. Similarly, operational data can be identified and illustrated herein within modules, and can be embodied in any suitable form and organized within any suitable type of data structure. The operational data can be collected as a single data set, or can be distributed over different locations including over different storage devices, and can exist, at least partially, merely as electronic signals on a system or network. The modules can be passive or active, including agents operable to perform desired functions.

[00121] As used herein, the term "processor" can include general purpose processors, specialized processors such as VLSI, FPGAs, and other types of specialized processors, as well as base band processors used in transceivers to send, receive, and process wireless communications.

[00122] Reference throughout this specification to "an example" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in an example" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[00123] As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials can be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. In addition, various embodiments and examples can be referred to herein along with alternatives for the various components thereof. It is understood that such embodiments, examples, and alternatives are not to be construed as de facto equivalents of one another, but are to be considered as separate and autonomous.

[00124] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the foregoing description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of layouts, distances, network examples, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of some embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the some embodiments can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, layouts, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of different embodiments.

[00125] While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles used in various embodiments in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the principles and concepts of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is not intended that the claimed matter be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.

Claims

What is claimed is:

An apparatus of a Cellular Internet-of-Things (CIoT) device that supports Extended Coverage Global System for Mobiles (EC-GSM), the apparatus comprising one or more processors and memory configured to:

identify a CIoT timer value indicated by a wireless communication received via one or more antennas at the CIoT device from a cellular base station;

attempt to decode a first Extended Coverage Synchronization Channel (EC-SCH) transmission received wirelessly via the one or more antennas at the CIoT device from the cellular base station;

reset and restart a CIoT timer that tracks an amount of time elapsed since attempting to decode the first EC-SCH transmission;

determine that the amount of time elapsed, as tracked by the CIoT timer, meets or exceeds the CIoT timer value; and

attempt to decode a second EC-SCH transmission received wirelessly via the one or more antennas at the CIoT Device from the cellular base station based on the determination that the amount of time elapsed meets or exceeds the CIoT timer value.

The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the CIoT timer value is a predefined default value.

The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the CIoT timer value is equal to a product defined by the expression N^■ DRX_period, where N is a nonnegative integer and DRX_period is a length or duration of a Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycle.

The apparatus of claim 1 or 3, wherein the wireless communication is a system information message that includes a parameter indicating the CIoT timer value. The apparatus of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the one or more processors and memory are further configured to:

detect that the first EC-SCH transmission was not successfully decoded at the CIoT device after determining that the amount of time elapsed, as tracked by the CIoT timer, meets or exceeds the CIoT timer value;

attempt to decode a Frequency Correction Channel (FCCH) transmission as part of a complete synchronization procedure;

detect that the second EC-SCH transmission was not successfully decoded at the CIoT device or that the FCCH transmission was not successfully decoded at the CIoT device; and

initiate a cell reselection procedure at the CIoT device in order to regain wireless service for the CIoT device.

The apparatus of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the CIoT timer is a

T CIoT sync refresh timer.

The apparatus of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the one or more processors include a baseband processor.

An apparatus of an cellular base station that supports Extended Coverage Global System for Mobiles (EC-GSM), the apparatus comprising one or more processors and memory configured to:

identify a Cellular Internet-of-Things (CIoT) timer value for a mobile station in a coverage area of the cellular base station, wherein the CIoT timer value indicates a rate or frequency at which the mobile station is to attempt to decode Extended Coverage Synchronization Channel (EC- SCH) transmissions;

signal transceiver circuitry at the cellular base station to send a wireless communication to the mobile station, wherein the wireless communication indicates the CIoT timer value; and

signal the transceiver circuitry at the cellular base station to send an EC-SCH transmission to the mobile station including one or more parameter values.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the CIoT timer value is a predefined default value.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the CIoT timer value is equal to a product defined by the expression N^■ DRX_period, where N is a nonnegative integer and DRX_period is a length or duration of a Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycle.

11. The apparatus of claim 8 or 10, wherein the wireless communication is a system information message that includes a parameter indicating the CIoT timer value.

12. The apparatus of claim 8, 9, or 10, wherein the CIoT timer is a

T CIoT sync refresh timer.

13. The apparatus of claim 8, 9, or 10, wherein the one or more processors and

memory are further configured to:

modify the one or more parameter values;

signal the transceiver circuitry at the cellular base station to send an updated EC-SCH transmission to the mobile station including the one or more parameter values as modified;

monitor an amount of time that has elapsed since the sending of the EC-SCH transmission; and

apply the updated one or more parameter values, as modified, to communications with the mobile device when the amount of time that has elapsed since the sending of the EC-SCH transmission exceeds the CIoT timer value.

14. The apparatus of claim 8, 9, or 10, wherein the one or more processors include a baseband processor.

15. A computer-readable medium containing instructions thereon that, when executed by one or more processors, perform the following:

identifying a Cellular Internet-of-Things (CIoT) timer value indicated by a wireless communication received via one or more antennas at a mobile station from a cellular base station;

attempting to decode a first Synchronization Channel (SCH) transmission received wirelessly via the one or more antennas at the mobile station from the cellular base station;

resetting and restarting a CIoT timer that tracks an amount of time elapsed since attempting to the first SCH transmission;

determining that the amount of time elapsed, as tracked by the CIoT timer, meets or exceeds the CIoT timer value; and

attempting to decode a second SCH transmission received wirelessly via the one or more antennas at the mobile station from the cellular base station based on the determination that the amount of time elapsed meets or exceeds the CIoT timer value.

16. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the CIoT timer value is a predefined default value.

17. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the CIoT timer value is equal to a product defined by the expression N^■ DRX_period, where N is a nonnegative integer and DRX_period is a length or duration of a Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycle.

18. The computer-readable medium of claim 15 or 17, wherein the wireless

communication is a system information message that includes a parameter indicating the CIoT timer value.

19. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, 16, or 17, wherein the CIoT timer is a T CIoT sync refresh timer.

20. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, 16, or 17, further comprising instructions thereon which, when executed by one or more processors, perform the following:

detecting that the first SCH transmission was not successfully decoded at the mobile station after determining that the amount of time elapsed, as tracked by the CIoT timer, meets or exceeds the CIoT timer value;

attempting to decode a Frequency Correction Channel (FCCH) transmission as part of a synchronization procedure;

detecting that the second SCH transmission was not successfully decoded at the mobile station or that the FCCH transmission was not successfully decoded at the mobile station; and

initiating a cell reselection procedure at the mobile station in order to regain wireless service for the mobile station.

21. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, 16, or 17, wherein the first SCH transmission and the second SCH transmission are Extended Coverage

Synchronization Control Channel (EC-SCH) transmissions.

22. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, 16, or 17, wherein the first SCH transmission and the second SCH transmission are Narrowband Synchronization Channel (N-SCH) transmissions.