Random Access Control by Coverage Level in MTC Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Machine-type Communication (MTC) technologies face challenges in efficiently managing access control and load balancing in varying coverage levels, particularly in deep coverage scenarios, leading to resource congestion and inaccurate RSRP measurements.

Innovation Solution

Implementing access control parameters specific to predefined coverage levels, including access class barring mechanisms tailored for each coverage enhancement level (CE level) to manage Random Access procedures, allowing networks to prioritize deep coverage UEs and optimize resource allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If access control parameters are not differentiated by coverage level, then the system structure remains simple, but resource allocation efficiency deteriorates and deep coverage UEs cannot be prioritized during congestion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidaccess control parameter structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments access control parameters by coverage level (CE level), creating separate parameter sets for different coverage conditions. This allows the system to apply appropriate parameters for each coverage level, improving resource allocation efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through structured organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different access control parameters locally to specific coverage levels rather than using uniform parameters system-wide. This enables deep coverage UEs to receive prioritized treatment during congestion through coverage-level-specific parameters, while shallow coverage areas operate with standard parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If coverage-level specific access control parameters are implemented, then access control precision is improved, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess control precisionVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The access control parameters are segmented into coverage-level-specific groups, allowing precise control for each CE level. This segmentation enables the system to broadcast only the necessary parameters for each coverage level, managing signaling overhead through structured parameter organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a coverage level dimension to the access control parameter structure, organizing parameters along this new dimension. This dimensional organization allows the system to efficiently manage and broadcast parameters specific to each coverage level without excessive signaling overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If uniform access control is applied to all coverage levels, then system operation is simple, but deep coverage UEs suffer during network congestion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess reliability for deep coverage UEsVSAvoidaccess control mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different access control characteristics locally to deep coverage UEs through coverage-level-specific parameters. During congestion, deep coverage UEs benefit from prioritized parameter settings, while the overall system maintains operational simplicity through automated coverage level identification and parameter application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically identifies the coverage level of each UE and applies the appropriate access control parameters without requiring manual configuration or complex intervention. This self-service mechanism improves reliability for deep coverage UEs while keeping the control mechanism manageable through automated operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3934361B1Apparatus and method for a mobile telecommunications system
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3934361B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3934361B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3934361B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An apparatus comprising circuitry configured to perform a Random Access procedure that is based on one or more access control parameters that are specific for a predefined coverage level.