CE Mode Switching for MTC Coverage and Power Trade-off

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current LTE technologies face challenges in providing enhanced coverage for machine-type communications (MTC) devices, especially in deep indoor locations, with limited mobility and high power consumption, requiring improved coverage enhancement modes and power management techniques.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of coverage enhancement (CE) modes, including CE Mode A and CE Mode B, which allow network configuration of repetition patterns and reporting mechanisms for UE, utilizing RSRP/RSRQ thresholds, hysteresis values, and settling times to optimize coverage and reduce power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If coverage enhancement modes with repetition patterns are implemented for MTC devices, then coverage is enhanced by up to 15dB, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecoverageVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between CE Mode A and CE Mode B based on real-time coverage requirements and device conditions. The network can configure and switch repetition patterns dynamically, allowing the system to adapt to changing channel conditions and power constraints, thus resolving the contradiction between coverage enhancement and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key parameters such as repetition pattern, number of repetitions, and CE mode selection based on channel conditions and device capabilities. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system achieves optimal balance between coverage enhancement (up to 15dB) and power consumption for MTC devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If repetition patterns are configured for CE Mode A and CE Mode B, then coverage enhancement is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage enhancementVSAvoidrepetition pattern configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables UEs to autonomously select appropriate CE modes and repetition patterns based on pre-configured criteria and channel conditions. This self-service mechanism reduces network signaling overhead and simplifies device complexity while maintaining coverage enhancement benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the coverage enhancement into distinct modes (CE Mode A and CE Mode B) with different repetition patterns. This segmentation allows the system to handle different coverage scenarios independently, reducing overall system complexity by providing clear, mode-specific configurations rather than a single complex adaptive system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple CE modes with different repetition patterns are implemented, then adaptability to different coverage scenarios is improved, but network configuration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage scenario adaptabilityVSAvoidnetwork configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic CE mode switching capability that allows the network to adapt to different coverage scenarios in real-time. The network can configure multiple CE modes with different repetition patterns and switch between them based on channel conditions, providing high adaptability while managing configuration complexity through standardized procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal CE mode framework that can handle multiple coverage scenarios (deep indoor, urban canyon, rural areas) using a standardized set of CE Mode A and CE Mode B configurations. This multi-functional approach allows the same basic mechanism to serve diverse scenarios, reducing network configuration complexity compared to implementing separate solutions for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3166354B1Coverage enhancement mode change for enhanced coverage user equipment
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP3166354B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3166354B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3166354B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for coverage enhancement (CE) mode change for enhanced coverage user equipment (UEs).