Multi-band eNB Architecture for Narrow-band UE Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile communication systems face challenges in supporting both high-speed data services and low-power, low-cost operations, particularly in managing diverse devices with varying bandwidth requirements, which leads to increased energy consumption and hardware costs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multi-band and multi-cell system architecture that allows eNBs to support both high-capability and narrow-band UEs by allocating narrower bandwidths to freeloader cells, reducing energy consumption and hardware complexity through optimized resource allocation and signaling methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a mobile communication system supports multi-band communication to provide high-speed data services, then data transmission rate is improved, but energy consumption and hardware costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the frequency spectrum into multiple bands (e.g., Band 1, Band 2, Band 3) and allows UEs to selectively operate in specific bands based on their capabilities and service requirements. This segmentation enables the system to support high-speed data services in certain bands while allowing low-power devices to operate in others, thereby reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the concept of 'freeloader cells' that operate with narrower bandwidths than the full system bandwidth. These cells provide sufficient service for basic communication needs without requiring the full multi-band capability, allowing devices to achieve acceptable performance with reduced power consumption and hardware complexity.
2Speed
If a mobile communication system supports multi-band communication to provide high-speed data services, then data transmission rate is improved, but hardware costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments frequency bands and cell structures into different types (normal cells and freeloader cells), allowing manufacturers to produce devices with varying levels of multi-band support. Devices can be manufactured with selective band support based on target market requirements, reducing hardware costs for applications that do not require full multi-band capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent varies key parameters such as bandwidth, center frequency, and cell structure across different band configurations. This parameter variation allows the system to adapt to different service requirements and device capabilities, enabling cost-effective manufacturing by optimizing hardware specifications for specific use cases rather than supporting all possible configurations.
3Speed
If the system allocates wider bandwidth to all UEs to support high-speed services, then data transmission rate is improved, but energy consumption increases for devices that do not require high speed
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different bandwidth allocations and cell configurations to different UEs based on their specific requirements. High-speed data services receive wider bandwidth allocations in normal cells, while devices with basic communication needs are served by freeloader cells with narrower bandwidths. This local differentiation eliminates energy waste by matching resource allocation to actual service requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the system supports both high-capability and narrow-band UEs with full multi-band functionality, then device compatibility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a universal architecture that supports both high-capability and narrow-band UEs through the coexistence of normal cells and freeloader cells. The network infrastructure provides multi-functionality by handling different UE types appropriately, while individual devices can be manufactured with simpler, single-function designs optimized for their specific service requirements, reducing device complexity.
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for operating multi-band and multi-cell. An Enhanced Node B (eNB) transmits a synchronization channel and a broadcasting channel for narrow-band user equipments (UEs) through a first band narrower than a system band, the first band being located in a center band of the system band, and transmits a control channel for scheduling a data channel for a first narrow-band UE which is one of the narrow-band UEs through a second band equal to or wider than the first band, the second band not overlapping the first band within the system band. The first band is designed to be matched to a band where the synchronization channel and the broadcasting channel of a host cell using an entire system band are transmitted.