Virtual Carrier Selection Using IMSI-Based Frequency Band Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless telecommunications systems face increased signaling complexity and overhead due to the need for dedicated control signaling to allocate terminal devices to specific virtual carriers, particularly when supporting a large number of devices in a cell.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for terminal devices and base stations to autonomously select a restricted frequency band based on an identifier, such as the international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI), for downlink communications within a virtual carrier, without requiring additional dedicated signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated control signaling is used to allocate terminal devices to specific virtual carriers, then terminal devices can be properly assigned to frequency bands, but signaling complexity and overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling terminal devices to autonomously select virtual carriers using their own identifiers (IMSI, TAC, or cell ID) without requiring network-side dedicated signaling. The terminal device independently determines its assigned frequency band by hashing its identifier, eliminating the need for explicit allocation messages from the base station while ensuring consistent and reproducible carrier selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the allocation mechanism from network-controlled signaling to device-autonomous selection based on device parameters (identifiers). By transforming the allocation decision from a signaling-dependent process to a parameter-based deterministic function, the system reduces signaling overhead while maintaining reliable allocation through mathematical hashing of device identifiers.
2Reliability
If dedicated control signaling is used for virtual carrier allocation, then proper frequency band assignment is achieved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal device performs self-allocation to virtual carriers using its own identifier, eliminating the need for network-side allocation signaling. This self-service approach reduces signaling overhead by converting a two-way signaling process into a unidirectional autonomous device action that requires no confirmation or control messages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the allocation decision-making function from the network side and places it at the terminal device side. By removing the need for network-controlled allocation signaling, the system eliminates redundant information transfer while preserving allocation accuracy through the deterministic hashing of device identifiers.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple and inexpensive terminal devices are used for MTC applications, then device cost is reduced, but capability to handle complex radio interface functions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the overall system functionality by keeping the complex virtual carrier selection logic at the network side (base station) while simplifying the terminal device to only need basic identifier transmission and reception. This segmentation allows inexpensive terminal devices to operate in a simplified mode while the network handles the complexity of virtual carrier management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal allocation mechanism that works for all terminal devices regardless of capability level. By using a standardized hashing function based on device identifiers, the system provides a universal solution that enables both simple MTC devices and advanced smartphones to operate on appropriate virtual carriers without requiring device-specific complex processing capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless telecommunications system in which downlink communications are made using a radio interface that spans a system frequency bandwidth (host carrier) and supports at least some communications from a base station to least some terminal devices within a plurality of restricted frequency bands (virtual carriers) which are narrower than and within the system frequency bandwidth. A terminal device conveys an indication of its identity, e.g. an IMSI, to the base station during an initial connection procedure as the terminal device seeks to access the radio interface. The terminal device and the base station both determine a selected restricted frequency band from among the plurality of restricted frequency bands based on the identity of the terminal device in the same way. Thus the terminal device and the base station select the same restricted frequency band and can accordingly configure their respective transceivers to allow for downlink communications between them within the selected restricted frequency band.