MPDCCH Narrowband Allocation to Minimize Unusable RBGs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing MTC terminals face issues with varying definitions of narrowbands across cells, leading to unusable RBGs and the need for fine MPDCCH settings that differ from base station to base station, which increases complexity and resource inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A base station and terminal system that determines EPDCCH set allocations based on an offset and RBG size to minimize the number of unusable RBGs, allowing for flexible and standardized MPDCCH settings across different cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If narrowband definitions vary from cell to cell to accommodate different PUCCH resource amounts, then adaptability to different cell configurations is improved, but device complexity increases due to needing to handle varying MPDCCH and RBG allocations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the parameter of narrowband definition from cell-specific variable definitions to standardized definitions based on system band size categories. By categorizing system bands into groups (e.g., 1.4MHz, 3MHz, 5MHz, 10MHz, 15MHz, 20MHz) and assigning fixed narrowband structures to each category, the patent eliminates the need for terminals to handle varying narrowband definitions across different cells, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability through the categorical parameter system.
2Reliability
If MPDCCH is allocated to all six PRB pairs in a narrowband for coverage enhancement, then coverage is improved, but the number of unusable RBGs increases, reducing resource utilization efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the narrowband into specific PRB pairs for MPDCCH allocation rather than using all six PRB pairs. By selectively allocating MPDCCH to only certain PRB pairs within the narrowband (e.g., specific subsets based on the standardized definition), the patent maintains coverage enhancement benefits while leaving other PRB pairs available for data transmission, thus improving RBG utilization efficiency without sacrificing reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If fine MPDCCH settings are notified according to offsets that vary from base station to base station, then precise control allocation is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to increased configuration complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention establishes universal MPDCCH allocation rules that apply across all base stations within the same system band category. By defining standardized allocation patterns that work universally for all cells with the same band size classification, the patent eliminates the need for base station-specific offset configurations while maintaining precise control allocation. This universal approach simplifies deployment and operation as network operators no longer need to individually configure MPDCCH parameters for each base station.
Data Source
AI summary
In a base station, control circuitry determines, based on an offset for defining a frequency position of a narrowband allocated to an MPDCCH and a resource block group size of a system band, allocations of a first EPDCCH set and a second EPDCCH set that constitute the MPDCCH. The MPDCCH is a PDCCH for MTC. The second EPDCCH set has a different number of PRBs from the first EPDCCH set. A transmitter transmits a control signal according to the allocations of the first EPDCCH set and the second EPDCCH set. Further, the control circuitry controls a number of RBGs in which both the first EPDCCH set and the second EPDCCH set are allocated to be zero or one.