MTC Device Cell Switching for Dual Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machine Type Communication (MTC) devices, lacking carrier aggregation capability, face challenges in dual connectivity with both small cells and macro cells, limiting their ability to efficiently switch between cells for data transmission and reception.
Innovation Solution
An MTC device method involving cell-out and cell-in announcements through physical channels and MAC messages to switch between connectivity with a first cell and a second cell for data transmission and reception, enabling efficient use of available cell resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If MTC device uses carrier aggregation to achieve dual connectivity with small cell and macro cell, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The MTC device dynamically switches between connected state (for control plane signaling) and idle state (for user plane data transmission) based on data transmission needs. This dynamic state transition allows the device to utilize small cell resources for data transmission without maintaining full carrier aggregation capability, thereby improving transmission efficiency while controlling device complexity and cost.
2Adaptability or versatility
If MTC device switches between cells for data transmission, then coverage and resource utilization are improved, but connection stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection into two distinct states: connected state for control plane signaling with the serving cell, and idle state for user plane data transmission with the small cell. This segmentation allows the device to maintain stable control plane connectivity while flexibly accessing different cells for data transmission, thereby improving coverage and resource utilization without compromising connection stability.
3Reliability
If MTC device maintains connectivity with first cell for control plane, then signaling reliability is improved, but data transmission flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the eNB (base station) as an intermediary that coordinates between the MTC device and the small cell. The eNB manages the device's state transitions and coordinates data transmission through the small cell while maintaining control plane connectivity. This intermediary mechanism enables reliable signaling with the serving cell while providing flexible data transmission capabilities through the small cell infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the present specification provides a transmission and reception method of a machine type communication (MTC) device. The transmission and reception method of an MTC device can comprise the steps of: switching from connectivity with the first cell to connectivity with a second cell if data to be transmitted and received is generated in a state of connectivity with a first cell; transmitting and receiving the data in a state of connectivity with the second cell; and switching from connectivity with the second cell to connectivity with the first cell when the transmission and reception of the data are completed.