MTC-CCI Control Channel Indicator for Coverage Enhancement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increased reliance on GSM/GPRS networks for Machine-Type Communication (MTC) devices leads to higher maintenance costs and suboptimal spectrum efficiency for network operators, as MTC device suppliers often opt for low-cost devices with GSM/GPRS modules rather than LTE, due to the low data rate requirements of these devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for advanced wireless communication networks that provide a first control message on a first channel to indicate the presence and coverage enhancement configuration of a second control message on a second channel, enabling MTC devices to selectively process messages and achieve enhanced coverage through defined repetition levels, using a new control channel indicator (MTC-CCI) encoded with RNTI for optimal detection and reduced resource consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If MTC device suppliers use low-cost GSM/GPRS modules instead of LTE, then device cost is reduced, but network spectrum efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of control message transmission by introducing repetition levels and coverage enhancement configurations. MTC devices can receive control messages with different repetition counts (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 8 repetitions) based on their coverage requirements, allowing GSM/GPRS devices to operate efficiently on LTE networks without requiring full LTE radio interfaces, thus reducing device cost while improving spectrum efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The control message transmission is segmented into multiple repetition levels. Instead of using a single uniform transmission method, the system divides control message delivery into discrete repetition stages, allowing devices to receive the minimum necessary repetitions to achieve reliable communication. This segmentation enables cost-effective MTC devices to operate on LTE networks with appropriate coverage enhancement
2Reliability
If control messages are transmitted with high repetition levels for coverage enhancement, then coverage is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control message repetition where the number of repetitions is not fixed but adapted based on device-specific coverage enhancement configurations. Devices can dynamically adjust their reception behavior according to the configured repetition level, allowing the system to provide enhanced coverage where needed while avoiding unnecessary power consumption for devices in better coverage conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by transmitting control messages with the minimum necessary repetitions to achieve reliable delivery. Instead of always using maximum repetition levels, the system uses just enough repetitions (1, 2, 4, or 8) based on the device's coverage enhancement configuration, thereby providing adequate coverage while minimizing power consumption
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple RATs are supported in the network, then device compatibility is improved, but network maintenance cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the LTE control channel universal by designing it to serve both full LTE devices and simplified MTC devices. The control message format with configurable repetition levels allows a single LTE infrastructure to accommodate multiple device types, eliminating the need to maintain separate GSM/GPRS and LTE networks simultaneously, thus reducing maintenance costs while maintaining broad device compatibility
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided a method for use in an advanced wireless communication network, and a system (20) therefor. In these method and system (20), a base station (300) provides, to a radio device (100), a first control message on a first channel. The first control message indicates: a presence of a second control message on a second channel; and a coverage enhancement configuration of the second control message. The base station (300) also provides, to the radio device (100), the second control message on the second channel according to the coverage enhancement configuration. The first control message enables the radio device (100) to determine the presence of the second control message in order to be able to selectively process messages on the second channel.