Dynamic Retuning Control for MTC Narrowband Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems assume a maximum retuning time of two OFDM symbols for MTC devices, which is inefficient and wastes resources, as some devices can retune within a single symbol, leading to unused network resources when millions of MTC devices are deployed.
Innovation Solution
A method where user equipment and base stations identify the capability of communication devices to retune between narrowbands, allowing for dynamic control information to be provided for efficient retuning, enabling devices capable of fast retuning to use resources more effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a maximum retuning time of two OFDM symbols is assumed for all MTC devices, then all devices can be supported uniformly, but network resources are wasted when devices can retune faster
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the retuning time parameter dynamically based on device capability. Devices indicate their retuning capability (one symbol or two symbols) to the base station, which then configures appropriate retuning time parameters. This resolves the contradiction by allowing fast-retuning devices to use shorter retuning periods (reducing resource waste) while still supporting slower devices with the standard two-symbol retuning time.
2Productivity
If retuning time is reduced to one OFDM symbol, then resource efficiency improves, but not all MTC devices are capable of such fast retuning
Solution Approach 1:
The retuning time is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system adapts the retuning time parameter based on each device's indicated capability. Devices capable of fast retuning use one-symbol retuning periods, while other devices use two-symbol periods. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing resource efficiency for capable devices while maintaining compatibility with all MTC devices.
3Device complexity
If uniform retuning configuration is used for all devices, then system complexity is reduced, but resource utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments devices based on their retuning capability into different groups (fast-retuning devices and standard-retuning devices). Each segment is configured with appropriate retuning parameters. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing differentiated resource allocation that improves utilization while maintaining manageable system complexity through clear device categorization.
Data Source
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AI summary
A communication system is disclosed in which a base station communicates with machine-type-communication (MTC) devices by dividing the base station's cell bandwidth into (non-overlapping) narrowbands. The base station identifies, based on a communication received from a communication device, a capability of that communication device to retune between narrowbands, and provides, to that communication device, control information for controlling how that communication device retunes between different narrowbands, wherein the control information is based on the identified capability of that communication device to retune between narrowbands.