LTE Uplink Resource Allocation for M2M Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LTE systems face challenges in efficiently supporting a large number of Machine-to-Machine (M2M) devices due to high data rate and low latency requirements, leading to increased costs and complexity, while also needing to coexist with other user equipment types, necessitating a more efficient radio resource allocation method.
Innovation Solution
The method involves selecting and using only a subset of frequency subcarriers within an LTE resource block for uplink communication, allowing M2M devices to transmit on a single 15 kHz subcarrier, reducing the peak to average power ratio and enabling more devices to share resources, thereby improving coverage and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If LTE systems allocate full resource blocks to M2M devices, then data rate requirements are met, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the LTE resource block allocation by introducing separate uplink and downlink resource pools for M2M devices. The uplink uses grant-free access with pre-configured resources, while the downlink uses grant-based access, dividing the resource management into distinct segments that reduce device complexity for uplink transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simplified grant-free uplink access where M2M devices transmit data without requiring complex grant acquisition procedures. This disposable-like approach allows devices to use pre-configured resources directly, reducing the need for complex protocol handling and lowering device cost and complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If LTE systems support large numbers of M2M devices with full features, then capacity increases, but cost and complexity of M2M devices increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different service modes tailored to specific M2M application requirements. M2M devices can operate in grant-free mode for simple periodic transmissions or grant-based mode for more complex communications, allowing each device to have the minimum necessary complexity for its specific use case while supporting large numbers of devices overall.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional LTE approach by allowing M2M devices to transmit uplink data without first obtaining grants. This reverse approach (grant-free access) eliminates the need for complex grant acquisition protocols at the device level, reducing M2M device complexity while enabling support for very large numbers of devices.
3Reliability
If M2M devices use advanced LTE features like MIMO, then communication reliability improves, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables M2M devices to achieve reliable communication through network-side mechanisms rather than requiring complex device-side features. The base station handles scheduling, resource allocation, and interference management centrally, allowing simple M2M devices to achieve reliable communication without needing advanced features like MIMO, thereby reducing device cost.
4Device complexity
If LTE bandwidth is reduced to 1.4 MHz for M2M, then device cost decreases, but spectral efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for reduced bandwidth by introducing dedicated time resources for M2M communications. M2M devices are allocated specific subframes and resource blocks within the LTE frame structure, creating an additional time dimension for resource allocation. This allows narrowband M2M devices to achieve adequate throughput through time-domain multiplexing even with limited frequency bandwidth.
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology provides a method, apparatus and system for facilitating uplink communication from a user equipment (UE) to a base station in an LTE communication system. One or more frequency subcarriers within a predetermined LTE resource block are selected, covering less than the entire frequency range of the LTE resource block. The selected one or more frequency subcarriers are then used for communication from the UE to the base station.