Dynamic Subframe Invalidity for LTE-M and Wideband LTE Traffic
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Solution Overview
Problem
In LTE networks, when LTE-M traffic is high, it can lead to a scarcity of subframes available for Wideband LTE traffic, even when LTE-M traffic is delay-tolerant and Wideband LTE traffic is delay-sensitive, such as VoLTE, resulting in inadequate spectrum utilization for delay-sensitive applications.
Innovation Solution
A base station dynamically prioritizes between delay-tolerant LTE-M traffic and delay-sensitive Wideband LTE traffic by using network information to deprioritize LTE-M traffic, designating certain subframes as invalid for LTE-M use based on PRB utilization metrics, ensuring a minimum number of subframes are available for Wideband LTE traffic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If LTE-M traffic is prioritized to ensure delay-tolerant IoT communications, then LTE-M connectivity is improved, but subframe availability for Wideband LTE decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of invalid subframes for LTE-M traffic based on real-time Wideband LTE traffic conditions. When Wideband LTE traffic is detected, the base station increases the number of invalid subframes for LTE-M, and when Wideband LTE traffic is absent, it decreases the invalid subframes to maximize LTE-M connectivity. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable to varying traffic conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station changes the parameter of subframe validity for LTE-M traffic based on Wideband LTE traffic detection. By modifying the validity parameter dynamically - marking subframes as invalid during Wideband LTE transmission and valid during idle periods - the system optimizes resource allocation for both traffic types without permanent sacrifice of either connectivity or subframe availability.
2Reliability
If subframes are statically allocated to LTE-M traffic, then LTE-M connectivity is ensured, but spectrum utilization for delay-sensitive applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic subframe allocation where the number of invalid subframes for LTE-M is adjusted in real-time based on Wideband LTE traffic conditions. This replaces static allocation with a dynamic system that responds to actual network conditions, ensuring LTE-M connectivity while maximizing spectrum utilization for delay-sensitive applications when they are present.
Solution Approach 2:
The same PRBs are made multi-functional by allowing them to serve LTE-M traffic during idle periods and Wideband LTE traffic during active periods. The subframes universally support both traffic types at different times, eliminating the need for dedicated static allocation and improving overall spectrum utilization while maintaining LTE-M connectivity reliability.
3Speed
If more subframes are made available for Wideband LTE traffic, then delay-sensitive application performance is improved, but LTE-M traffic capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic adjustment of invalid subframes based on the periodic nature of Wideband LTE traffic (e.g., VoLTE packets). By synchronizing the invalid subframe pattern with the periodic Wideband LTE transmission pattern, the system ensures delay-sensitive applications receive timely resources while LTE-M traffic maintains adequate capacity during the periodic idle intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the system to optimize the balance between Wideband LTE performance and LTE-M capacity in real-time. When Wideband LTE traffic intensity increases, more subframes are invalidated for LTE-M to improve delay-sensitive performance, and when traffic decreases, fewer subframes are invalidated to maintain LTE-M capacity, creating a responsive balance.
Data Source
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AI summary
A base station receives a set of network information of a cellular network that relates to wireless traffic handled by the base station, A first class of the wireless traffic and a second class of the wireless traffic share a particular frequency division to access the cellular network by using different time divisions of the particular frequency division. The base station identifies a first set of time divisions of the particular frequency division based on the received set of network information. The base station disallows the first class of the wireless traffic from using the first set of time divisions to access the cellular network. The base station allows the second class of the wireless traffic to use time divisions of the particular frequency division that are not used by the first class of wireless traffic to access the cellular network.