MTC UE Selective Cell Joining for Network Overload
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of machine-type communication user equipment (MTC UE) devices overloads wireless networks, making it difficult to maintain connections without impacting other traffic, such as cell phone traffic, as MTC traffic is often treated as low priority.
Innovation Solution
MTC UE devices detect and selectively join wireless cells based on categories, such as MTC-dedicated or hybrid eNBs, using cell selection criteria like signal strength and MTC policies to manage traffic and resource allocation, allowing for efficient connection and resource preservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If MTC UE devices connect to wireless networks in large numbers, then machine-type communication coverage increases, but network overload occurs and other traffic is impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wireless network into different cell types (MTC-dedicated cells and non-MTC-dedicated cells) based on eNB category. MTC UE devices are directed to connect to MTC-dedicated cells, while other traffic continues to use non-MTC-dedicated cells. This segmentation isolates MTC traffic from other traffic, preventing network overload and maintaining reliability for both traffic types simultaneously.
2Reliability
If MTC traffic is treated as low priority, then higher-priority traffic (e.g., cell phone traffic) is preserved, but MTC communication quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating MTC-dedicated cells with specific eNB categories that provide optimized service for MTC traffic. Within these dedicated cells, MTC traffic receives appropriate resource allocation and treatment, improving communication quality locally for MTC devices while maintaining high-priority traffic quality in other cells. This resolves the contradiction by providing different service qualities in different network locations.
3Reliability
If dedicated eNBs are deployed for MTC traffic, then MTC communication reliability improves, but network infrastructure cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables eNBs to serve multiple functions by introducing the concept of eNB categories. The same eNB infrastructure can operate as an MTC-dedicated eNB when needed, or as a non-MTC-dedicated eNB for other traffic. This multi-functionality allows the network to provide reliable MTC service without permanently deploying separate dedicated infrastructure, thereby reducing overall network infrastructure requirements while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments are described herein for selective joinder of wireless cells by machine-type communication ("MTC") user equipment ("UE"). An MTC UE may detect a plurality of wireless cells, each provided by an evolved Node B ("eNB"). The MTC UE may detect eNB categories associated with individual wireless cells of the plurality of wireless cells, and may identify one or more wireless cells of the plurality of detected wireless cells on which MTC traffic is permitted based on the associated eNB categories. The MTC UE may selectively join a wireless cell of the one or more identified wireless cells based on a cell selection criterion. Additionally, an eNB may provide a wireless cell and provide, to an MTC UE, an MTC policy that identifies a circumstance under which the eNB will permit MTC traffic. The eNB may be configured to selectively serve the MTC UE based on the MTC policy.