Embedded Narrowband Carriers for MBB-MTC Network Coexistence

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication networks face challenges in efficiently coexisting between mobile broadband (MBB) and machine type communication (MTC) networks, particularly due to bandwidth differences and lack of shared signaling, leading to suboptimal performance of MTC devices embedded in non-LTE carriers.

Innovation Solution

A network management device embeds narrowband carriers, such as eMTC carriers, into wideband carriers like eMBB, providing additional bandwidth information through a master information block (MIB) and scheduling resources to ensure efficient operation of MTC devices, even in non-LTE systems, while maintaining compatibility with legacy devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If narrowband carriers are embedded into wideband carriers to enable MTC device communication, then MTC devices can operate in non-LTE systems, but the bandwidth information signaling becomes complex requiring multiple bandwidth fields

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveMTC device compatibility with non-LTE carriersVSAvoidbandwidth signaling structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent embeds narrowband carriers (eMTC carriers) within wideband carriers (eMBB carriers) by allocating specific resource blocks from the wideband carrier to host the narrowband carriers. This nesting structure allows MTC devices to operate within the broader eMBB framework while maintaining their narrowband requirements, resolving the contradiction between versatility and signaling complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal bandwidth signaling structure where the MIB contains multiple bandwidth fields (first bandwidth field for narrowband carrier bandwidth, second bandwidth field for wideband carrier bandwidth) that can serve different device types. This multi-functional signaling approach allows the same broadcast channel to provide appropriate bandwidth information for both MTC and eMBB devices, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multiple narrowband carriers are allocated to MTC devices, then area capacity and throughput improve, but resource allocation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveMTC area capacity and throughputVSAvoidresource allocation management

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the wideband carrier's resource blocks into multiple narrowband carriers, each with its own bandwidth characteristics. The MIB includes separate bandwidth fields for each narrowband carrier, allowing the system to divide and manage resources in manageable units. This segmentation enables MTC devices to access multiple carriers for improved capacity while keeping individual resource allocation tasks simpler and more organized.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If eMTC carriers are embedded in eMBB carriers, then spectrum efficiency improves, but legacy device compatibility must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectrum efficiencyVSAvoidlegacy device compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by transmitting different bandwidth information to different device types through the same MIB structure. Legacy eMBB devices receive and process the second bandwidth field (wideband carrier bandwidth) while MTC devices receive and process the first bandwidth field (narrowband carrier bandwidth). This localized information delivery allows spectrum-efficient carrier embedding while maintaining legacy device compatibility, as each device type processes only the relevant bandwidth information for its operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12490297B2Mobile broadband and machine type communication network coexistence

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

Techniques for mobile broadband and machine type communication network coexistence are provided. A method can include embedding, by a system comprising a processor, narrowband carriers, comprising a first narrowband carrier having a first bandwidth and a second narrowband carrier having the first bandwidth, into respective portions of an enhanced wireless broadband carrier, the enhanced wireless broadband carrier having a second bandwidth that is greater than the first bandwidth; transmitting, by the system to network equipment via the first narrowband carrier, a master information block comprising a first bandwidth field indicative of the first bandwidth and a second bandwidth field, distinct from the first bandwidth field, indicative of the second bandwidth; and scheduling, by the system, the network equipment on the second narrowband carrier in response to transmitting the master information block to the network equipment.