NB-IoT Communication Testing via LTE Signal Mimicry
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of testing devices and methods available for testing Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT) communication, which is essential for improved indoor coverage, low cost, and low power consumption in IoT applications.
Innovation Solution
A communication testing device and method that transmits test signals based on common reference signals and orthogonal frequency-division multiple access channel noise generation, configured to operate in in-band or guard-band modes, mimicking an LTE network to test NB-IoT communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If NB-IoT communication is tested using existing LTE testing devices, then testing capability is maintained, but testing accuracy and reliability for NB-IoT specific performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the NB-IoT network environment by generating test signals that replicate NB-IoT reference signals and channel characteristics using existing LTE testing equipment. This virtual copying enables accurate NB-IoT testing without requiring dedicated physical testbeds, resolving the contradiction between testing reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies signal parameters (frequency, power, modulation characteristics) of existing LTE test signals to match NB-IoT specifications. By changing these parameters, the testing device can accurately evaluate NB-IoT performance while maintaining compatibility with existing LTE testing infrastructure.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated NB-IoT testing devices are developed, then testing accuracy for NB-IoT is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables existing LTE testing devices to perform NB-IoT testing by configuring them to generate and evaluate NB-IoT specific signals. This multi-functionality approach allows a single device to serve both LTE and NB-IoT testing, improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces software configurations and signal generation modules as intermediaries between the existing LTE testing device and the NB-IoT under test. These intermediaries translate NB-IoT test requirements into compatible signal formats, enabling precise testing without modifying the core hardware architecture.
3Device complexity
If test signals are generated solely based on LTE common reference signals, then device complexity is reduced, but testing completeness for NB-IoT modes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic signal generation where the testing device can adaptively switch between different signal types (LTE common reference signals and NB-IoT specific signals) based on the test configuration. This dynamic capability maintains low device complexity while achieving comprehensive testing versatility across different NB-IoT deployment modes.
Data Source
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AI summary
A communication testing device (50), especially for testing a narrow band internet of things (NB-IoT) communication, comprises a NB-IoT transmitter (51) for transmitting test signals based on common reference signals (52) of a network cell working under the long term evolution (LTE) standard and further based on orthogonal frequency-division multiple access channel noise generation (OCNG, 53) to a fader (54) in order to perform tests regarding radio frequency conformance (55).