Downlink Capacity Augmentation for Cat-M Using Narrowband IoT
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Solution Overview
Problem
The coexistence of Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) and Category-M (CAT-M) protocols in cellular networks leads to significant capacity impacts, particularly in certain frequency bands, affecting network operators' ability to provide other services due to differences in bandwidth usage and support for different types of data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented to augment downlink capacity for CAT-M by transferring IoT devices to alternative frequency bands when congestion occurs, utilizing NB-IoT, which involves determining congestion levels, protocol usage thresholds, and device compatibility to schedule IoT devices in the second protocol, thereby optimizing bandwidth allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If CAT-M protocol is used with 1.4 MHz bandwidth, then data transmission capacity is improved, but network congestion increases and affects other network services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network capacity by introducing a separate NB-IoT frequency band (first frequency band) distinct from the CAT-M frequency band (second frequency band). This segmentation allows CAT-M devices to use the second frequency band for high-capacity data transmission while NB-IoT devices use the first frequency band, preventing CAT-M from congesting the shared LTE spectrum and affecting other network services.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the congestion problem by adding a new dimension - a dedicated NB-IoT frequency band - to the network architecture. Instead of competing for the same frequency resources, NB-IoT and CAT-M devices are allocated different frequency dimensions, allowing both protocols to coexist without mutual interference and enabling the network operator to manage congestion effectively.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If NB-IoT is used with 200 KHz bandwidth, then network congestion is reduced, but downlink capacity for CAT-M devices is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency spectrum into two dedicated bands: the first frequency band for NB-IoT devices and the second frequency band for CAT-M devices. This segmentation ensures that NB-IoT devices can operate with narrow 200 KHz bandwidth without limiting CAT-M downlink capacity, as each protocol has its own dedicated frequency resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces frequency band allocation as an intermediary mechanism between NB-IoT and CAT-M protocols. The network operator uses this intermediary to mediate resource allocation, directing NB-IoT devices to the first frequency band and CAT-M devices to the second frequency band, thereby resolving the capacity-congestion trade-off.
3Adaptability or versatility
If both CAT-M and NB-IoT coexist in the same frequency band, then device compatibility is improved, but capacity impact on network services increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency spectrum to accommodate both CAT-M and NB-IoT devices without mutual interference. By allocating the first frequency band to NB-IoT and the second frequency band to CAT-M, the system maintains device compatibility (both protocols can coexist in the network) while preventing capacity impact on other network services through dedicated frequency allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing protocol-specific frequency allocation within the broader network. Different frequency bands are allocated specifically for different protocols (NB-IoT gets the first band, CAT-M gets the second band), allowing each protocol to operate optimally in its designated spectrum while contributing to overall network capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects provided herein provide methods, systems, and a non-transitory computer storage media storing computer-useable instructions for downlink capacity augmentation for Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices in a network. The network first determines if at least one base station has a first IoT protocol defined in a first frequency band and a second IoT protocol defined. A determination is then made if the first frequency band is congested. Next, network elements determine if usage of the first IoT protocol exceeds a predetermined downlink threshold. It is then determined if usage of the second IoT protocol exceeds a predetermined second IoT usage threshold. A determination is made as to whether at least one IoT device supports a second frequency band. The at least one device supporting a second frequency band may then be scheduled in the second IoT protocol.