Narrowband Random Access Configuration for MTC Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3GPP LTE user equipment (UE) designs are costly due to the requirement to support a minimum 20 MHz bandwidth, which is not efficient for machine-type communication (MTC) devices that need low operational power and infrequent small burst transmissions, making it challenging to implement these devices in large numbers for applications like the 'Internet of Things'.
Innovation Solution
A method for performing a random access procedure and connection establishment in a wireless communication system that allows specific types of UEs, such as MTC devices, to use a narrower bandwidth by determining and transmitting a random access preamble based on a second random access configuration, which includes a set of random access preamble identifiers, time/frequency resources, and a random access radio network temporary identity, optimizing the communication process for low-end or low-cost UEs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If LTE UE supports minimum 20 MHz bandwidth, then communication capability is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bandwidth adaptation by introducing multiple random access configurations (first for normal UEs, second for specific UEs like MTC) that allow the UE to dynamically select between wideband (20 MHz) and narrowband (e.g., 1.4 MHz) operations based on device type and service requirements, thereby reducing cost for devices that don't require full bandwidth capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the bandwidth parameter from a fixed minimum of 20 MHz to a variable parameter that can be adjusted based on UE type. By defining different random access configurations with different bandwidth parameters and allowing UEs to select appropriate configurations, the system enables cost-effective narrowband operation for MTC devices while maintaining full capability for regular UEs
2Use of energy by moving object
If MTC devices use narrow bandwidth, then device cost and power consumption are reduced, but random access procedure efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple random access configurations (first and second configurations) with different bandwidth parameters before the random access procedure begins. The network broadcasts both configurations, and the UE preliminarily determines which configuration to use based on its type, ensuring efficient narrowband random access is prepared in advance rather than requiring dynamic negotiation during the access procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by providing different random access configurations tailored to different UE types. The second random access configuration is specifically optimized for MTC devices with narrow bandwidth requirements, containing appropriate preamble identifiers, time/frequency resources, and RNTI values that are locally optimized for low-power, narrowband operation rather than using a one-size-fits-all configuration
3Productivity
If separate random access configuration is provided for specific UE type, then communication efficiency for MTC is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the random access configuration into separate, dedicated configurations: a first random access configuration for normal UEs and a second random access configuration for specific UEs like MTC devices. Each configuration is segmented with UE-type-specific parameters (preamble identifiers, time/frequency resources, RNTI), allowing efficient targeted communication while organizing complexity into manageable, type-specific segments rather than a single complex unified configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for performing a random access procedure in a wireless communication system is provided. A user equipment (UE) determines one random access configuration from a first random access configuration for a normal type of UE and a second random access configuration for a specific type of UE, and transmits a random access preamble based on the second random access configuration to an eNodeB (eNB) if the UE is a specific type of UE. Also, a method and apparatus for establishing, by a UE, a connection in a wireless communication system is provided. The UE transmits a connection request message including bandwidth related information to the eNB.