Patent Description:
In a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, procedures of self-organization network are introduced to automatically optimize the network. In particular, as for a request from a primary base station, a user equipment of the LTE network measures a secondary base station for obtaining Automatic Neighbor Relation (ANR) parameter associated with the secondary base station. Afterwards, the user equipment reports the ANR parameter associated with the secondary base station and network parameters of the user equipment to the primary base station. Accordingly, the primary base station is capable of optimizing the network based on the ANR parameter of the secondary base station and the network parameters of the user equipment.

Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) is a network technology developed based on Frequency Division Duplex LTE (FDD-LTE) network architecture wherein different devices can be connected in an NB-IoT network to communicate and exchange data with each other. However, it would not be a straightforward case to apply the procedures of self-organization network of the LTE network to the NB-IoT network.

<CIT> describes a technique in a mobile communication system in which a user apparatus transmits a cell identifier to a base station, and the base station performs processing such as handover using the cell identifier.

<NPL>, and gives an analysis of the SON function for NB-IOT including ANR, RA reporting and RLF reporting, the procedure to report the RA information or RLF is also discussed.

<NPL>, and explains that LTE has introduced SON functions for operators to be able to manage network configurations based on SON report from a lot of UEs, and later in Rel-<NUM>, logged MDT was introduced for network to receive logged measurements from idle mode UEs.

In the following, any method and/or apparatus referred to as embodiments but which nevertheless do not fall within the scope of the appended claims are to be understood as examples helpful in understanding the invention.

One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a self-optimization network information transmission method for a user equipment. The user equipment is used in a narrowband internet of things network system. The method includes: receiving, by the user equipment, a configuration from a first base station; and transmitting, by the user equipment, a self-optimization network information to the first base station based on the configuration. The configuration is for the user equipment to transmit the self-optimization network information as one of: transmitting the self-optimization network information to the first base station after receiving a self-optimization network parameter from a second base station, wherein the self-optimization network information includes the self-optimization network parameter of the second base station; and transmitting the self-optimization network information to the first base station after a specific period.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a self-optimization network information transmission method for a base station. The base station is for communicating with a user equipment used in a narrowband internet of things network system. The method includes: transmitting, by the base station, a configuration to the user equipment; and receiving, by the base station, a self-optimization network information from the user equipment based on the configuration. The configuration is for the user equipment to transmit the self-optimization network information as one of: transmitting the self-optimization network information to the base station after the user equipment receives a self-optimization network parameter from another base station, wherein the self-optimization network information includes the self-optimization network parameter of the another base station; and transmitting the self-optimization network information to the base station after a specific period.

Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a user equipment for use in a narrowband internet of things network. The user equipment includes a transceiver and a processor. The processor is coupled to the transceiver electrically, and configures the transceiver to: receiving a configuration from a first base station; and transmitting a self-optimization network information to the first base station based on the configuration. The processor, based on the configuration, configures the transceiver to transmit the self-optimization network information as one of: transmitting the self-optimization network information to the first base station after receiving a self-optimization network parameter from a second base station, wherein the self-optimization network information includes the self-optimization network parameter of the second base station; and transmitting the self-optimization network information to the first base station after a specific period.

Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a base station for communicating with a user equipment used in a narrowband internet of things network system. The base station includes a transceiver and a processor. The processor is coupled to the transceiver electrically, and configures the transceiver to: transmit a configuration to the user equipment; and receive a self-optimization network information from the user equipment based on the configuration. The configuration is for the user equipment to transmit the self-optimization network information as one of: transmitting the self-optimization network information to the base station after the user equipment receives a self-optimization network parameter from another base station, wherein the self-optimization network information includes the self-optimization network parameter of the another base station; and transmitting the self-optimization network information to the base station after a specific period.

The detailed description of the appended drawings is intended as a description of the currently preferred embodiments of the present invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be practiced. It should be understood that the same or equivalent functions may be accomplished by different embodiments that are intended to be encompassed within the scope of the present invention.

Please refer to <FIG>. <FIG> is a schematic view of a Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) network system <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The NB-IoT network system <NUM> includes a base station <NUM> and a user equipment <NUM>. <FIG> is a block diagram of the base station <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. The base station <NUM> includes a transceiver <NUM> and a processor <NUM>. The transceiver <NUM> and the processor <NUM> are electrically coupled (e.g., electrically connected via bus).

<FIG> is a block diagram of the user equipment <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. The user equipment <NUM> includes a transceiver <NUM> and a processor <NUM>. The transceiver <NUM> and the processor <NUM> are electrically coupled (e.g., electrically connected via bus). The interactions between the individual elements will be further described hereinafter.

Before receiving any Self-Optimization Network (SON) information from the user equipment <NUM>, the base station <NUM> needs to notify the user equipment <NUM> of the setting for transmitting SON information. In this embodiment, the processor <NUM> of the base station <NUM> configures the transceiver <NUM> to transmit a configuration <NUM> to the user equipment <NUM>. On the other hand, the processor <NUM> of the user equipment <NUM> configures the transceiver <NUM> to receive the configuration <NUM>.

The configuration <NUM> is used to configure the user equipment <NUM> to transmit SON information: (<NUM>) to the base station <NUM> after the user equipment <NUM> receives SON parameter from a base station <NUM>; or (<NUM>) to the base station <NUM> after a specific period (not shown). In some embodiments, the configuration <NUM> can be transmitted with broadcast information via broadcast channel, or with Radio Resource Control (RRC) signal between the base station <NUM> and the user equipment <NUM>.

Accordingly, the user equipment <NUM>, based on the configuration <NUM>, is capable of: (<NUM>) transmitting the SON information <NUM>, which includes a SON parameter <NUM> of the base station <NUM>, to the base station <NUM> after receiving the SON parameter <NUM> from the base station <NUM>; or (<NUM>) transmitting the SON information <NUM> to the base station <NUM> after the specific period. After transmitting configuration <NUM> to the user equipment <NUM>, the processor <NUM> of the base station <NUM> configures the transceiver <NUM> to receive the SON information <NUM> from the user equipment <NUM> based on the configuration <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the user equipment <NUM> transmits the SON information <NUM> to the base station <NUM> immediately after receiving the SON parameter <NUM> from the base station <NUM>. In other words, after receiving the SON parameter <NUM> from the base station <NUM>, the user equipment <NUM> transmits the SON information <NUM> to the base station <NUM> at once. In some embodiments, the specific period is the duration of time that the user equipment <NUM> waits before transmitting user data. In some embodiments, the user equipment <NUM> transmits SON information with other data. In some embodiments, after obtaining the SON parameter <NUM> from the base station <NUM>, the user equipment <NUM> waits the specific period before transmitting the SON information <NUM> to the base station <NUM>. In some embodiments, after obtaining the SON parameter <NUM> from the base station <NUM>, the user equipment <NUM> transmits the SON information <NUM> with other data to the base station <NUM>. The SON information <NUM> may include the SON parameter <NUM> of the base station <NUM>.

Please refer to <FIG>, which is a schematic view of the NB-IoT network system <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that, the network architecture and the network environment of this embodiment are similar to those of the previous embodiment, so elements bearing the same reference numerals have same functions and will not be further described herein. This embodiment mainly describes the details of the transmission procedure.

In this embodiment, when the base station <NUM> needs to obtain SON information from the user equipment <NUM>, the processor <NUM> of the base station <NUM> configures the transceiver <NUM> to transmit a SON information request <NUM> to the user equipment <NUM>. Then, after receiving the SON information request <NUM>, the processor <NUM> of the user equipment <NUM> configures the transceiver <NUM> to transmit the SON information <NUM> to the base station <NUM> based on the configuration <NUM><NUM>. In other words, in this embodiment, after receiving the SON information request <NUM>, the processor <NUM> of the user equipment <NUM> configures the transceiver <NUM> to transmit the SON information <NUM>: (<NUM>) to the base station <NUM> after receiving the SON parameter <NUM> from the base station <NUM>; or (<NUM>) transmitting the SON information <NUM> to the base station <NUM> after a specific period.

In some embodiments, the SON parameter <NUM> can be obtained from the base station <NUM>. In detail, the processor <NUM> of the user equipment <NUM> configures the transceiver <NUM> to receive the SON parameter <NUM> from the base station <NUM>. In some embodiments, the user equipment <NUM> listens to a Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) of the base station <NUM> for receiving the SON parameter <NUM> from the base station <NUM>.

Please refer to <FIG>, which is a schematic view of the NB-IoT network system <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, before transmitting the SON information <NUM>, the user equipment <NUM> should notify the base station <NUM> of the transmission of the SON information <NUM>. In detail, in this embodiment, the base station <NUM> should be aware of the transmission of the SON information <NUM>. Accordingly, when the SON information <NUM> is ready for transmission, the processor <NUM> of the user equipment <NUM> configures the transceiver <NUM> to transmit a SON information available message <NUM> to the base station <NUM> for notifying the base station <NUM> of the later transmission of the SON information <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> of the base station <NUM> configures the transceiver <NUM> to receive the SON information available message <NUM> after being aware of the transmission of the SON information <NUM>. Afterwards, the processor <NUM> of the user equipment <NUM> configures the transceiver <NUM> to transmit the SON information <NUM> to the base station <NUM> based on the configuration <NUM> and the transmission of the SON information available message <NUM>, and then the processor <NUM> of the base station <NUM> configures the transceiver <NUM> to receive the SON information <NUM> based on the configuration <NUM> and the SON information available message <NUM>.

Please refer to <FIG>, which is a schematic view of the NB-IoT network system <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, before the base station <NUM> creates Automatic Neighbor Relation (ANR) item associated with a base station <NUM>, the base station <NUM> should obtain some basic network information about the base station <NUM>. In detail, the processor <NUM> of the user equipment <NUM> configures the transceiver <NUM> to receive a network information <NUM> from the base station <NUM>, and then to transmit the network information <NUM> to the base station <NUM>. Accordingly, the base station <NUM> is capable of creating an ANR item (not shown) associated with the base station <NUM> based on received network information <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the network information <NUM> associated with the base station <NUM> includes a Physical Cell Identification (PCI) of the base station <NUM>, an initial Cell Global Identification (CGI) of the base station <NUM>, or a combination of PCI and CGI of the base station <NUM>. In some embodiments, the PCI and the CGI of the base station <NUM> is one-time information transmitted to the base station <NUM> to create ANR item associated with the base station <NUM>. In some embodiments, the acquisition of the basic information associated with the base station <NUM> should be achieved before the transmission of the configuration <NUM>.

Please refer to <FIG>. <FIG> is a schematic view of the NB-IoT network system <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a schematic view of message transmission according the embodiment of the present disclosure. When the configuration <NUM> configures the user equipment <NUM> to transmit the SON information <NUM> to the base station <NUM>, the transmission of the SON information <NUM> can be achieved via a regular Random Access (RA) procedure.

In detail, the processor <NUM> of the user equipment <NUM> configures the transceiver <NUM> to transmit an RA preamble 13RAP to the base station <NUM>. The processor <NUM> of the base station <NUM> configures the transceiver <NUM> to receive the RA preamble 13RAP, and then to transmit an RA response 11RAR. Then, the processor <NUM> of the user equipment <NUM> configures the transceiver <NUM> to receive the RA response 11RAR, and then to transmit an RRC resume request 13RRC with a resume identification RID to the base station <NUM>.

Next, the processor <NUM> of the base station <NUM> configures the transceiver <NUM> to receive the RRC resume request 13RRC with the resume identification RID, and then to transmit an RRC resume response 11RRC with the resume identification RID. Accordingly, the base station <NUM> and the user equipment <NUM> establish or resume a connection between the base station <NUM> and the user equipment <NUM> based on the RRC resume response 11RRC with the resume identification RID.

Accordingly, the processor <NUM> of the user equipment <NUM> configures the transceiver <NUM> to transmit the SON information <NUM> to the base station <NUM> via the connection. The processor <NUM> of the base station <NUM> configures the transceiver <NUM> to receive the SON information <NUM> via the connection. In some embodiments, the base station <NUM> and the user equipment <NUM> are associated in a regular RA procedure; therefore, an RRC resume request with resume identification can be used for resuming the connection between the base station <NUM> and the user equipment <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the SON information <NUM> can be transmitted independently. In some embodiments, the SON information <NUM> can be transmitted with user data of the user equipment <NUM>, wherein the specific period is the duration of time that the user equipment <NUM> waits before transmitting user data. In detail, the processor <NUM> of the user equipment <NUM> configures the transceiver <NUM> to transmit the SON information <NUM> with user data (not shown) to the base station <NUM> via the connection. The processor <NUM> of the base station <NUM> configures the transceiver <NUM> to receive the SON information <NUM> with the user data via the connection.

Please refer to <FIG>. <FIG> is a schematic view of the NB-IoT network system <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> are schematic views of message transmission according different embodiments of the present disclosure. When the configuration <NUM> configures the user equipment <NUM> to transmit the SON information <NUM> to the base station <NUM> and the user equipment <NUM> is supported with Mobile Original Early Data Transmission (MO-EDT), the transmission of the SON information <NUM> can be achieved via an MO-EDT procedure.

In detail, in an MO-EDT procedure, the processor <NUM> of the user equipment <NUM> configures the transceiver <NUM> to transmit an MO-EDT transmission preamble MO-MSG1 to the base station <NUM>. The processor <NUM> of the base station <NUM> configures the transceiver <NUM> to receive the MO-EDT transmission preamble MO-MSG1, and then to transmit an MO-EDT transmission response MO-MSG2 to the user equipment <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> of the user equipment <NUM> configures the transceiver <NUM> to receive the MO-EDT transmission response MO-MSG2, and then to transmit an EDT message MO-MSG3 to the base station <NUM>. The processor <NUM> of the base station <NUM> configures the transceiver <NUM> to receive the EDT message MO-MSG3, and then to transmit an EDT response MO-MSG4 to the user equipment <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in some embodiments, an indication can be embedded in the MO-EDT transmission response MO-MSG2, wherein the indication is used for indicating to the user equipment <NUM> that the SON information <NUM> should be embedded in the EDT message MO-MSG3. In some embodiments, the SON information <NUM> is embedded in the EDT message MO-MSG3 independently. In some embodiments, the EDT message MO-MSG3 further includes user data (not shown), and the SON information <NUM> is transmitted with the user data via the EDT message MO-MSG3.

Referring to <FIG>, in some embodiments, an EDT message MO-MSG5 is introduced by the user equipment <NUM> to transmit overflow data. In these embodiments, the size of the SON information <NUM> is greater than the size of the EDT message MO-MSG3. Accordingly, an indication can be embedded in MO-EDT transmission response MO-MSG2. The indication is used for indicating to the user equipment <NUM> that: (<NUM>) the SON information <NUM> should be divided into two part - a first part and a second part; and (<NUM>) the first part of the SON information <NUM> should be embedded in the EDT message MO-MSG3 and the second part should be embedded in the EDT message MO-MSG5.

Referring to <FIG>, in some embodiments, the EDT message MO-MSG5 is introduced by the user equipment <NUM> to transmit remaining data while the size of user data is greater than the size of the EDT message MO-MSG3. In these embodiments, an indication can be embedded in the MO-EDT transmission response MO-MSG2, and the indication is used for indicating to the user equipment <NUM> that the SON information <NUM> should be embedded in the EDT message MO-MSG3 with the user data or embedded in the EDT message MO- MSG5 with the remaining data.

Referring to <FIG>. in some embodiments, while the EDT message MO-MSG5 is introduced, an indication can be embedded in EDT response MO-MSG4, wherein the indication is used for indicating to the user equipment <NUM> that the SON information <NUM> should be embedded in the EDT message MO-MSG5.

In some embodiments, the user equipment <NUM> could embed only SON information available message within the EDT message MO-MSG. <NUM>, for indicating that the SON information <NUM> is ready. Then, the base station <NUM> and the user equipment <NUM> recover connected status by the EDT response MO-MSG4, and the user equipment <NUM> transmits the SON information <NUM> by the EDT message MO-MSG5.

<FIG> is a schematic view of the NB-IοT network system <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> are schematic views of message transmission according different embodiments of the present disclosure. When the configuration <NUM> configures the user equipment <NUM> to transmit the SON information <NUM> to the base station <NUM> and the user equipment <NUM> is supported with Mobile Terminated Early Data Transmission (MT-EDT), the transmission of the SON information <NUM> can be achieved via an MT-EDT procedure.

In detail, in an MT-EDT procedure, the processor <NUM> of the base station <NUM> configures the transceiver <NUM> to transmit a paging information MT-MSG0 to the user equipment <NUM>. The paging information MT-MSG0 is for initializing an MT-EDT procedure. The processor <NUM> of the user equipment <NUM> configures the transceiver <NUM> to receive the paging information MT-MSG0, and then to transmit an MT-EDT transmission preamble MT-MSG1 to the base station <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> of the base station <NUM> configures the transceiver <NUM> to receive the MT-EDT transmission preamble MT-MSG1, and then to transmit an MT-EDT transmission response MT-MSG2 to the user equipment <NUM>. The processor <NUM> of the user equipment <NUM> configures the transceiver <NUM> to receive the MT-EDT transmission response MT-MSG2, and then to transmit an EDT message MT-MSG. <NUM> to the base station <NUM>. The processor <NUM> of the base station <NUM> configures the transceiver <NUM> to receive the EDT message MT-MSG3, and then to transmit an EDT response MT-MSG4 to the user equipment <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in some embodiments, an indication can be embedded in the paging information MT-MSG0, wherein the indication is used for indicating to the user equipment <NUM> that the SON information <NUM> should be embedded in the MT-EDT preamble MO-MSG1 or embedded in the EDT message MT-MSG3. In some embodiments, the SON information <NUM> is embedded in the EDT message MT-MSG3 independently. In some embodiments, the EDT message MO-MSG3 further includes user data (not shown), and the SON information <NUM> is transmitted with the user data via the EDT message MO-MSG3.

Referring to <FIG>, in some embodiments, an EDT message MT-MSG5 is introduced for the user equipment <NUM> to transmit overflow data. In these embodiments, the size of the SON information <NUM> is greater than the size of the EDT message MT-MSG3. Accordingly, an indication can be embedded in the paging information MT-MSG0, wherein the indication is used for indicating to the user equipment <NUM> that: (<NUM>) the SON information <NUM> should be divided into two parts - a first part and a second part; and (<NUM>) the first part of the SON information <NUM> should be embedded in the EDT message MO-MSG3 and the second part of the SON information <NUM> should be embedded in the EDT message MO-MSG5.

Referring to <FIG>, in some embodiments, the EDT message MT-MSG5 is introduced for the user equipment <NUM> to transmit remaining data while the size of user data is over the size of the EDT message MT-MSG3. In these embodiments, an indication can be embedded in the paging information MT-MSG0, wherein the indication is used for indicating to the user equipment <NUM> that the SON information <NUM> should be embedded in the EDT message MT-MSG3 with the user data or embedded in the EDT message MT-MSG5 with the remaining data.

In some embodiments, an indication can be embedded in the MT-EDT transmission response MT-MSG2, wherein the indication is used for indicating to the user equipment <NUM> that the SON information <NUM> should be: (<NUM>) embedded in the EDT message MT-MSG3 as shown in <FIG>; (<NUM>) embedded in the EDT message MT-MSG3 and the potential EDT message MT-MSG5 as shown in <FIG>; (<NUM>) embedded in the EDT message MT-MSG3 with the user data as shown in <FIG>; or (<FIG>) embedded in the potential EDT message MT-MSG5 with the remaining data as shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, in some embodiments, when the EDT message MO-MSG5 is introduced, an indication can be embedded in EDT response MT-MSG4, wherein the indication is used for indicating to the user equipment <NUM> that the SON information <NUM> should be embedded in the EDT message MT-MSG5.

In some embodiments, because the user equipment <NUM> may wait to transmit user data for an unexpected period (e.g., hours or days), a timer is introduced for transmitting the SON information <NUM> after a reasonable time period. In detail, the configuration <NUM> includes an indicator (not shown) or a timer (not shown). The processor <NUM> of the user equipment <NUM> configures the transceiver <NUM> to transmit the SON information to the base station <NUM> based on the configuration <NUM> including the indicator or the timer. The indicator of the configuration <NUM> is used to configure the user equipment <NUM> to transmit the SON information <NUM> to the base station <NUM> either: (<NUM>) after receiving the SON parameter <NUM> from the base station <NUM>, or (<NUM>) after the specific period. The user equipment <NUM> transmits the SON information <NUM> to the base station <NUM> with data after receiving the SON parameter <NUM> from the base station <NUM> based on the indicator. The SON information <NUM> may include the SON parameter <NUM> of the base station <NUM>.

In addition, the user equipment <NUM> may transmit the SON information <NUM> to the base station <NUM> when the timer is expired. In other words, the transmission of the SON information <NUM> may be triggered when timer is expired. In some embodiments, the timer may be preset in the user equipment <NUM>.

In some embodiments, when the SON information <NUM> is transmitted with user data or when the SON information <NUM> is transmitted before timer expiring, the timer will be reset, stopped or deleted. In some embodiments, the timer is a default setting in the user equipment <NUM> or is transmitted from the base station <NUM>.

In some embodiment, the SON information <NUM> may include at least one of the SON parameter <NUM>, the RA parameter of the user equipment <NUM> and the RLF parameter of the user equipment <NUM>. In detail, the SON parameter <NUM> includes a CGI of the base station <NUM>, the PCI of the base station <NUM>, or the combination thereof. In detail, the SON parameter <NUM> may include at least one of the latest CGI of the base station <NUM> and the PCI of the base station <NUM>. In some embodiments, the SON information <NUM> further includes an RA parameter of the user equipment <NUM>, a Radio Link Failure (RLF) parameter of the user equipment <NUM>, or a combination thereof.

It shall be particularly appreciated that the processors mentioned in the above embodiments may be a central processing unit (CPU), other hardware circuit elements capable of executing relevant instructions, or combination of computing circuits that are well-known by those skilled in the art based on the above disclosures. Moreover, the transceivers mentioned in the above embodiments may be a combination of a network data transmitter and a network data receiver. However, such description is not intended to limit the hardware implementation embodiments of the present disclosure.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a SON information transmission method, and flowchart diagram thereof is as shown in <FIG>. The method of some embodiments is for use in an NB-IoT network system (e.g., the NB-IoT network system of the aforesaid embodiments), and the NB-IoT network system includes a user equipment and a base station. Detailed operations of the SON information transmission method are as follows.

Operation S801 is executed to transmit, by the base station, a configuration to the user equipment. The configuration configures the user equipment to transmit SON information either: (<NUM>) after the user equipment receives SON parameter from another base station, wherein SON information includes SON parameter of another base station; or (<NUM>) after a specific period.

Operation S802 is executed to receive, by the user equipment, the configuration from the base station. Operation S803 is executed to transmit, by the user equipment, an SON information to the base station based on the configuration. Operation S804 is executed to receive, by the base station, the SON information from the user equipment.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure include an SON information transmission method, and flowchart diagram thereof is as shown in <FIG>. The method of some embodiments is for use in a NB-IoT network system (e.g., the NB-IoT network system of the aforesaid embodiments), and the NB-IoT network system includes a user equipment and a base station. Detailed operations of the SON information transmission method are as follows.

Operation S901 is executed to transmit, by the base station, a configuration to the user equipment. The configuration configures the user equipment to transmit SON information either: (<NUM>) after the user equipment receives SON parameter from another base station, wherein SON information includes SON parameter of another base station; or (<NUM>) after a specific period.

Operation S902 is executed to receive, by the user equipment, the configuration from the base station. Operation S903 is executed to transmit, by the base station, a SON information request to the user equipment. Operation S904 is executed to receive, by the user equipment, the SON information request from the base station. Operation S905 is executed to transmit, by the user equipment, the SON information to the base station based on the SON information request. Operation S906 is executed to receive, by the base station, the SON information from the user equipment.

Operation S1001 is executed to transmit, by the base station, a configuration to the user equipment. The configuration configures the user equipment to transmit SON information either: (<NUM>) t after the user equipment receives SON parameter from another base station, wherein SON information includes SON parameter of another base station; or (<NUM>) after a specific period.

Operation S1002 is executed to receive, by the user equipment, the configuration from the base station. In this embodiment, when a SON information is ready, operation S1003 is executed to transmit, by the user equipment, a SON information available message to the base station. Operation S1004 is executed to receives, by the base station, the SON information available message from the user equipment. Operation S1005 is executed to transmit, by the user equipment, the SON information to the base station based on the configuration and the SON information available message. Operation S1006 is executed to receive, by the base station, the SON information from the user equipment based on the configuration and the SON information available message.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a SON information transmission method, and flowchart diagram thereof is as shown in <FIG>. The method of some embodiments is for use in a NB-IoT network system (e.g., the NB-IoT network system of the aforesaid embodiments), and the NB-IoT network system includes a user equipment and a base station. Detailed operations of the SON information transmission method are as follows.

Operation S1101 is executed to transmit, by the base station, a configuration to the user equipment. The configuration configures the user equipment to transmit SON information either: (<NUM>) after the user equipment receives SON parameter from another base station, wherein SON information includes SON parameter of another base station; or (<NUM>) after a specific period.

Operation S1102 is executed to receive, by the user equipment, the configuration from the base station. Operation S1103 is executed to receive, by the user equipment, a PCI from the another base station. Operation S1104 is executed to transmit, by the user equipment, the PCI to the base station. Operation S1105 is executed to receive, by the base station, the PCI from the user equipment. Operation S1106 is executed to transmit, by the user equipment, a SON information to the base station based on the configuration. Operation S1107 is executed to receive, by the base station, the SON information from the user equipment.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a SON information transmission method, and flowchart diagrams thereof are as shown in <FIG>. The method of some embodiments is for use in a NB-IoT network system (e.g., the NB-IoT network system of the aforesaid embodiments), and the NB-IoT network system includes a user equipment and a base station. Detailed operations of the SON information transmission method are as follows.

Operation S1201 is executed to transmit, by the base station, a configuration to the user equipment. The configuration configures the user equipment to transmit SON information either: (<NUM>) after the user equipment receives SON parameter from another base station, wherein SON information includes SON parameter of another base station; or (<NUM>) after a specific period.

Operation S1202 is executed to receive, by the user equipment, the configuration from the base station. Operation S1203 is executed to transmit, by the user equipment, an RA preamble to the base station. Operation S1204 is executed to receive, by the base station, the RA preamble from the user equipment.

Operation S1205 is executed to transmit, by the base station, an RA response to the user equipment. Operation S1206 is executed to receive, by the user equipment, the RA response from the base station. Operation S1207 is executed to transmit, by the user equipment, an RRC resume request with a resume identification to the base station. Operation S1208 is executed to receive, by the base station, the RRC resume request with the resume identification from the user equipment.

Operation S1209 is executed to transmit, by the base station, an RRC resume response to the user equipment. Operation S1210 is executed to receive, by the user equipment, the RRC resume response from the base station. Operation S1211 is executed to establish, by the base station and the user equipment, a connection between the base station and the user equipment. Operation S1212 is executed to transmit, by the user equipment, a SON information to the base station via the connection. The SON information includes a SON parameter of the another base station. Operation S1213 is executed to receive, by the base station, the SON information from the user equipment via the connection.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a SON information transmission method, and flowchart diagram thereof as shown in <FIG>. The method of some embodiments is for use in a NB-IoT network system (e.g., the NB-IoT network system of the aforesaid embodiments), and the NB-IoT network system includes a user equipment and a base station. Detailed operations of the SON information transmission method are as follows.

Operation S1301 is executed to transmit, by the base station, a configuration to the user equipment. The configuration configures the user equipment to transmit SON information either: (<NUM>) after the user equipment receives SON parameter from another base station, wherein SON information includes SON parameter of another base station; or (<NUM>) after a specific period.

Operation S1302 is executed to receive, by the user equipment, the configuration from the base station. Operation S1303 is executed to transmit, by the user equipment, an MO-EDT preamble to the base station. Operation S1304 is executed to receive, by the base station, the MO-EDT preamble from the user equipment.

Operation S1305 is executed to transmit, by the base station, an MO-EDT response to the user equipment. The MO-EDT response includes an indication Operation S1306 is executed to receive, by the user equipment, the MO-EDT response from the base station. Operation S1307 is executed to transmit, by the user equipment, a SON information to the base station based on the indication. Operation S1308 is executed to receive, by the base station, the SON information.

Operation S1401 is executed to transmit, by the base station, a configuration to the user equipment. The configuration configures the user equipment to transmit SON information either: (<NUM>) after the user equipment receives SON parameter from another base station, wherein SON information includes SON parameter of another base station; or (<NUM>) after a specific period.

Operation S1402 is executed to receive, by the user equipment, the configuration from the base station. Operation S1403 is executed to transmit, by the user equipment, an MO-EDT preamble to the base station. Operation S1404 is executed to receive, by the base station, the MO-EDT preamble from the user equipment.

Operation S1405 is executed to transmit, by the base station, an MO-EDT response to the user equipment. Operation S1406 is executed to receive, by the user equipment, the MO-EDT response from the base station. Operation S1407 is executed to transmit, by the user equipment, an EDT message to the base station. Operation S1408 is executed to receive, by the base station, the EDT message from the user equipment.

Operation S1409 is executed to transmit, by the base station, an EDT response to the user equipment. The EDT response includes an indication. Operation S1410 is executed to receive, by the user equipment, the EDT response from the base station. Operation S1411 is executed to transmit, by the user equipment, a SON information to the base station based on the indication. Operation S1412 is executed to receive, by the base station, the SON information from the user equipment.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a SON information transmission method, and flowchart diagram thereof is as shown in <FIG>. The method of some embodiments is for use in a NB-IοT network system (e.g., the NB-IoT network system of the aforesaid embodiments), and the NB-IoT network system includes a user equipment and a base station. Detailed operations of the SON information transmission method are as follows.

Operation S1501 is executed to transmit, by the base station, a configuration to the user equipment. The configuration configures the user equipment to transmit SON information either: (<NUM>) after the user equipment receives SON parameter from another base station, wherein SON information includes SON parameter of another base station; or (<NUM>) after a specific period.

Operation S1502 is executed to receive, by the user equipment, the configuration from the base station. Operation S1503 is executed to transmit, by the base station, a paging information to the user equipment after the specific period. The paging information is used for initialing an MT-EDT procedure and includes an indication.

Operation S1504 is executed to receive, by the user equipment, the paging information with the indication from the base station. Operation S1505 is executed to transmit, by the user equipment, a SON information to the base station based on the indication. Operation S1506 is executed to receive, by the base station, the SON information.

Operation S1601 is executed to transmit, by the base station, a configuration to the user equipment. The configuration configures the user equipment to transmit SON information either: (<NUM>) after the user equipment receives SON parameter from another base station, wherein SON information includes SON parameter of another base station; or (<NUM>) after a specific period.

Operation S1602 is executed to receive, by the user equipment, the configuration from the base station. Operation S1603 is executed to transmit, by the base station, a paging information to the user equipment. The paging information is used for initialing an MT-EDT procedure. Operation S1604 is executed to receive, by the user equipment, the paging information from the base station.

Operation S1605 is executed to transmit, by the user equipment, an MT-EDT preamble to the base station after the specific period. Operation S1606 is executed to receive, by the base station, the MT-EDT preamble from the user equipment. Operation S1607 is executed to transmit, by the base station, an MT-EDT response to the user equipment. The MT-EDT response includes an indication. Operation S1608 is executed to receive, by the user equipment, the MT-EDT response with the indication from the base station. Operation S1609 is executed to transmit, by the user equipment, a SON information to the base station based on the indication. Operation S1610 is executed to receive, by the base station, the SON information from the user equipment.

Operation S1701 is executed to transmit, by the base station, a configuration to the user equipment. The configuration configures the user equipment to transmit SON information either: (<NUM>) after the user equipment receives SON parameter from another base station, wherein SON information includes SON parameter of another base station, or (<NUM>) after a specific period.

Operation S1702 is executed to receive, by the user equipment, the configuration from the base station. Operation S1703 is executed to transmit, by the base station, a paging information to the user equipment. Operation S1704 is executed to receive, by the user equipment, the paging information from the base station.

Operation S1705 is executed to transmit, by the user equipment, an MT-EDT preamble to the base station after the specific period. Operation S1706 is executed to receive, by the base station, the MT-EDT preamble from the user equipment. Operation S1707 is executed to transmit, by the base station, an MT-EDT response to the user equipment. Operation S1708 is executed to receive, by the user equipment, the MT-EDT response from the base station. Operation S1709 is executed to transmit, by the user equipment, an EDT message to the base station. Operation S1710 is executed to receive, by the base station, the EDT message from the user equipment.

Operation S1711 is executed to transmit, by the base station, an EDT response to the user equipment. The EDT response includes an indication. Operation S1712 is executed to receive, by the user equipment, the EDT response with the indication. Operation S1713 is executed to transmit, by the user equipment, a SON information to the base station based on the indication. Operation S1714 is executed to receive, by the base station, the SON information from the user equipment.

The method of the present disclosure can be implemented on a programmed processor. In general, any device that hasa finite state machine capable of implementing the flowcharts shown in the figures may be used to implement the processing functions of the present disclosure.

While the present disclosure has been described with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, various components of the embodiments may be interchanged, added, or substituted in the other embodiments. Also, all of the elements shown in each figure are not necessary for operation of the disclosed embodiments. For example, one skilled in the art of the disclosed embodiments would be capable of making and using the teachings of the present disclosure by simply employing the elements of the independent claims. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present disclosure as set forth herein are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Above procedure could also be used in other network, such as Industrial IoT network, <NUM> network, or future network.

Claim 1:
A method performed by a user equipment (<NUM>) for self-optimization network information transmission, the user equipment (<NUM>) being used in an internet of things network system, the method comprising:
receiving a configuration from a first base station (<NUM>);
receiving a self-optimization network parameter from a second base station (<NUM>);
resuming or establishing a connection between the user equipment (<NUM>) and the first base station (<NUM>); and
transmitting, via the connection, a self-optimization network information to the first base station (<NUM>) based on the configuration;
wherein the configuration configures the user equipment (<NUM>) to transmit the self-optimization network information as one of:
transmitting the self-optimization network information to the first base station (<NUM>) after receiving the self-optimization network parameter from the second base station (<NUM>), wherein the self-optimization network information comprises the self-optimization network parameter of the second base station (<NUM>); and
transmitting the self-optimization network information to the first base station (<NUM>) after a specific period.