MDT Channel Sensor Data Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for acquiring and transporting sensor data from various devices within cellular communication networks poses challenges due to the growing number of sensors, requiring efficient methods to collect and transport data without overwhelming network resources.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an MDT channel that supports the acquisition and transport of sensor data, allowing cellular-communicative UE devices and MDT-channel-communicative sensor devices to transmit non-MDT data over an MDT channel, with configuration and control signals received from the radio access network, enabling efficient data collection and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If sensor data is transmitted over traditional higher-layer communication channels, then data collection capability is provided, but bandwidth competition and network resource overload occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts sensor data transmission from the overloaded higher-layer communication channels and routes it through a separate MDT (Minimization of Drive Tests) channel. This separation removes sensor data traffic from the competition for bandwidth with other higher-layer processes, allowing efficient transport of large volumes of sensor data without overwhelming network resources.
2Quantity of substance
If battery-powered sensor devices are deployed, then data collection is enabled, but power consumption and battery replacement requirements arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements constant power operation where sensor devices receive power continuously from the network infrastructure rather than relying on internal batteries. The sensor devices are powered by the radio access network itself, eliminating the need for battery replacement and enabling long-term deployment without energy supply concerns.
3Productivity
If MDT channel is used for sensor data transport, then data collection efficiency is improved, but MDT channel capacity must be sufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the MDT channel multi-functional by using it for both its original purpose (drive test minimization) and for sensor data transport. This universal usage of the MDT channel allows efficient sensor data collection while leveraging existing network infrastructure and capacity, avoiding the need to provision dedicated channels solely for sensor data.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing data to a user comprising communicating, from a radio access network to a Minimization of Drive Tests (“MDT”)-channel-communicative sensor device, at least one MDT signal selected from the group consisting of an MDT configuration signal and an MDT control signal. The method also comprises generating, at least in part in response to the MDT signal and using an onboard sensor of the MDT-channel-communicative sensor device, sensor data comprising non-MDT data. The method also comprises receiving at least a portion of the sensor data into the radio access network over an MDT channel and communicating at least the portion of the sensor data from the radio access network to the user.