Narrowband Communication Resource Allocation in Unlicensed Spectrum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems fail to efficiently accommodate varying device capabilities and resource availability in unlicensed spectrum, leading to reduced efficiency and inconsistent performance across different geographic regions.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication system that configures and allocates resources based on device capability and category, allowing narrowband communication using multiple carriers in unlicensed spectrum, with flexible resource allocation and power management techniques for devices like eMTC and NB-IoT.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If narrowband communication is implemented in unlicensed spectrum with fixed resource allocation, then device deployment is simplified, but system efficiency and adaptability to different device capabilities are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the base station configures different resource allocations for different device capabilities. Devices indicate their capability (e.g., number of resource blocks, bandwidth part support) and the base station dynamically adjusts the resource allocation accordingly, transforming the static resource allocation into a dynamic adaptive system that resolves the contradiction between deployment simplicity and device capability adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters such as bandwidth part size, resource block allocation, and subcarrier spacing based on device capability indicators. By allowing parameter adaptation (e.g., configuring narrower bandwidth parts for power-constrained devices and wider bandwidths for capable devices), the system maintains deployment simplicity while achieving adaptability to different device capabilities
2Device complexity
If uniform resource allocation is used for all narrowband devices, then resource management is simplified, but communication efficiency and power consumption optimization are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allocating different resource characteristics to different devices based on their capabilities. Power-constrained devices receive narrower bandwidth allocations and more frequent scheduling opportunities, while capable devices receive wider bandwidth allocations. This localized resource optimization improves communication efficiency without requiring complex centralized resource management, as each device receives tailoring resources suited to its specific needs
3Use of energy by moving object
If bandwidth optimization is not considered, then device power consumption is reduced, but spectral efficiency and system capacity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts bandwidth allocation based on device capability indicators and traffic conditions. Devices can switch between different bandwidth parts (e.g., 1.4 MHz, 3 MHz, 5 MHz, 10 MHz) depending on their power constraints and service requirements. This dynamic bandwidth adaptation allows the system to optimize the trade-off between device power consumption and spectral efficiency in real-time, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and productivity
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication are described. Resources for narrowband communication in an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band may be configured and allocated based on resource availability, regulatory constraints, and device capability or category. A narrowband wireless device, such as a machine type communication device or other relatively low complexity device, may communicate using one or more narrowband carriers, which may occupy between one tone and multiple resource blocks in an unlicensed spectrum band (e.g., any number of resources between one (1) tone and multiple resource blocks (RBs)). Different device types may thus be configured differently as they move between geographic regions. The base station may then communicate with the narrowband mobile device based on the resource allocation and the carrier configuration.