LTE PHY Resource Remapping for Low Bandwidth MTC Coexistence
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing LTE networks face inefficiencies in supporting Machine Type Communication (MTC) devices due to high resource requirements and non-optimal spectrum usage, leading to increased costs and complexity, particularly with the reliance on GSM/GPRS networks and the need for dedicated or relay-based solutions that are not always feasible.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method and system that allocates a dedicated 1.25 MHz frequency region within a larger 20 MHz bandwidth cell for low bandwidth MTC devices, allowing for efficient resource management and coexistence with legacy devices by configuring a radio resource connection and mapping data bits to appropriate resource elements, thereby reducing the need for additional hardware and spectrum reallocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated MTC LTE carrier is used, then MTC device support is improved, but spectrum availability and eNodeB compatibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables legacy eNodeBs to support both legacy devices and low bandwidth MTC devices on the same carrier by implementing a universal resource allocation mechanism. The base station configures a subset of resource blocks within the existing carrier bandwidth specifically for MTC devices, allowing the same infrastructure to serve multiple device types without requiring dedicated MTC carriers or eNodeB upgrades.
2Area of stationary object
If relay node is used, then coverage improvement is achieved, but hardware complexity and deployment cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the coverage enhancement function from complex relay node hardware and implements it through software-based resource allocation in the existing eNodeB. By dedicating specific resource blocks and configuring appropriate transmission parameters, the system achieves extended coverage for MTC devices without adding physical relay infrastructure, thereby eliminating hardware complexity while maintaining coverage improvement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple RATs are maintained, then legacy device compatibility is preserved, but operational complexity and spectrum efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges legacy device support and MTC device support into a single carrier configuration. The eNodeB simultaneously serves both device types on the same frequency carrier by allocating different resource block subsets to each device category. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate GSM/GPRS networks or multiple RATs, reducing operational complexity while maintaining compatibility with both legacy and MTC devices.
4Speed
If high bandwidth is allocated to MTC devices, then data rate is improved, but resource efficiency and cost-effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allocating resources according to specific needs: MTC devices receive dedicated resource blocks optimized for their low-data-rate applications, while legacy devices utilize the remaining carrier bandwidth. This localized resource allocation ensures that MTC devices obtain sufficient bandwidth for their requirements without wasting spectrum resources, achieving cost-effective deployment by matching resource quantity to actual demand.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method and system for enabling machine type communication in a long term evolution (LTE) network environment. In one embodiment, a Physical (PHY) layer of an LTE protocol stack maps data bits in resource elements of a logical channel to resource elements of a physical channel. The PHY layer identifies the data bits intended for legacy devices but mapped to a first set of resource elements of machine type communication (MTC) devices and the data bits intended for the MTC device but mapped to the second set of resource elements of the legacy devices. Accordingly, the PHY layer remaps the data bits intended for the legacy devices to the second set of resource elements and the data bits intended for the MTC devices to the first set of resource elements prior to transmission.