Extended Coverage Paging for MTC UEs in LTE Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 3GPP LTE networks, Machine Type Communication (MTC) UEs face challenges with paging due to limitations in wake-up times, response times, and bandwidth, especially in areas with poor network coverage, which can impact regular UEs and inefficiently use network and device resources.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an extended coverage paging mechanism that uses a different paging RNTI (PCC-RNTI) and adjusted paging cycles and repetitions for coverage-constrained UEs, allowing them to combine multiple paging transmissions and allocate pre-defined PRBs, while avoiding interference with normal UEs' paging mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If normal paging mechanisms are used for MTC UEs, then regular UEs can communicate efficiently, but MTC UEs in poor coverage areas cannot satisfy RLC protocol requirements and experience communication failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the paging mechanism into two distinct types: normal paging for regular UEs and extended coverage paging for MTC UEs in poor coverage areas. This is achieved by introducing a separate paging RNTI (P-RNTI) specifically for extended coverage paging, allowing MTC UEs to monitor and receive paging messages using repetitions without interfering with normal UE paging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key paging parameters for MTC UEs including: introducing paging repetitions (transmitting the same paging message multiple times), extending the paging cycle duration, and using a dedicated P-RNTI for extended coverage. These parameter modifications enable MTC UEs to reliably receive paging messages even in poor coverage conditions where signal strength is insufficient for single-transmission paging.
2Reliability
If paging repetitions are implemented for MTC UEs, then coverage is enhanced, but network resources are inefficiently used and regular UEs are impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments paging resources by introducing a dedicated P-RNTI for extended coverage paging, separate from the normal P-RNTI used by regular UEs. This segmentation allows the network to configure paging repetitions specifically for MTC UEs without forcing normal UEs to wait for repeated transmissions, thereby preserving network resource efficiency for regular traffic while enhancing coverage for MTC devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic paging configuration where the network can independently control paging parameters (such as repetition count, paging cycle, and P-RNTI assignment) for MTC UEs versus normal UEs. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt resource allocation based on UE type and coverage conditions, optimizing overall network productivity while providing enhanced coverage where needed.
3Reliability
If MTC UEs monitor paging with extended parameters, then coverage-constrained UEs can receive messages, but wake-up times and response times increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables MTC UEs to preliminarily configure and monitor extended coverage paging parameters (including the dedicated P-RNTI and repetition patterns) during initial attachment or system information reception. This preliminary configuration allows UEs to be prepared for extended coverage paging from the outset, reducing the need for repeated wake-up attempts and response delays when actual paging occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic paging repetitions at configured intervals for MTC UEs, allowing these devices to monitor paging messages at predetermined times without continuously waking up. This periodic approach balances coverage enhancement with power consumption management, as UEs can enter sleep modes between periodic monitoring occasions while still receiving paging messages reliably through repetitions.
4Reliability
If separate paging mechanisms are implemented for MTC UEs, then coverage is improved, but device complexity and system configuration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains universality by using the same fundamental paging message structure and transmission procedures for both normal and extended coverage paging. The only differentiation is the use of a separate P-RNTI for extended coverage, allowing existing UE paging logic to remain largely unchanged while accommodating MTC UEs through a single additional parameter (the P-RNTI value), thereby minimizing device complexity increases.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods of paging user equipment (UE) are generally described. An evolved Node-B (eNB) may transmit legacy and extended coverage paging messages having different Paging Radio Network Temporary Identifiers (P-RNTIs) to UEs. Each extended coverage paging message may contain the same information, which coverage constrained UEs may combine to achieve a predetermined link budget and subsequently decode. The coverage constrained UEs may ignore legacy paging messages prior to decoding the legacy paging messages. The extended coverage paging messages may be transmitted in non-legacy paging occasions that may span multiple paging cycles. Each paging cycle may contain 0, 1 or multiple extended coverage paging occasions. The UE may be provided the physical resource blocks (PRBs) used for the extended coverage paging message through a system information message. The PRBs may be assigned as a fixed or semi-statically assigned set of PRBs or a dynamically assigned set of PRBs.