Dynamic RAT Selection for M2M Energy Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication, minimizing power consumption is challenging due to variable data transmission requirements and the need to select the most energy-efficient Radio Access Technology (RAT) in diverse wireless environments.
Innovation Solution
A wireless apparatus selects between coordinated RATs, such as eMTC and NB-loT, based on system bandwidths, to minimize energy consumption by choosing the RAT that offers the lowest power usage for communication with a network node, leveraging the network node's coordination to determine the optimal RAT for data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single RAT is pre-configured for M2M communication, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different wireless environments and data transmission requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic RAT selection by enabling the M2M device to evaluate multiple available RATs (e.g., LTE, NB-IoT, eMTC) and switch between them based on real-time conditions such as signal quality, data rate requirements, and power availability. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to changing wireless environments without requiring complex pre-configuration for every possible scenario.
2Use of energy by moving object
If RAT selection is optimized for lowest power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but the ability to meet variable data transmission requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters by selecting different RATs based on the specific data transmission requirements. When low power is needed, NB-IoT or eMTC in power-saving mode is selected. When high data rate is required, LTE is selected. The system evaluates multiple parameters including data size, urgency, available power, and signal conditions to make the optimal RAT selection, thus balancing energy efficiency with transmission capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple RATs are supported for optimal performance, then adaptability improves, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary RAT selection mechanism that simplifies multi-RAT management. Instead of requiring complex device-level management of multiple RATs, the system uses an intermediary selection process that evaluates available RATs and chooses the most appropriate one based on current conditions. This intermediary layer abstracts the complexity, allowing the device to support multiple RATs without bearing the full burden of managing all of them simultaneously.
4Use of energy by moving object
If RAT selection is made dynamically based on conditions, then energy efficiency improves, but measurement and detection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing measurements and assessments only when necessary for RAT selection, rather than continuously monitoring all parameters. The system evaluates key parameters such as signal strength and data requirements at decision points, performing sufficient (but not excessive) measurements to make an informed RAT selection. This approach reduces the overall measurement burden while still enabling dynamic, energy-efficient RAT selection.
Data Source
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AI summary
The wireless apparatus and network node disclosed herein facilitate the selection and use of one of multiple RATs for communications between the wireless apparatus and the network node. The selected RAT provides a lower energy consumption at the wireless apparatus for the communications with the network node. To that end, the wireless apparatus selects between at least two RATs, e.g., first and second RATs, where the first and second RATs are both coordinated by a network node in communication with the wireless apparatus, and where a system bandwidth of the second RAT and a system bandwidth of the first RAT are both comprised within a third system bandwidth of a third RAT coordinated by the network node.