Narrowband IoT Channel Raster Offset Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current Cellular Internet of Things (CIoT) systems rely heavily on GSM/GPRS networks, leading to increased maintenance costs and inefficient resource allocation, as they are not optimized for the growing number of Machine-Type Communications (MTC) devices, necessitating a migration to LTE networks for improved coverage and resource management.

Innovation Solution

A new MTC/CIoT system is developed that can be flexibly deployed in standalone, in-band, or guard-band modes within LTE systems, utilizing narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) technology to optimize channel raster offset and resource allocation, enabling efficient coexistence with legacy LTE networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If CIoT systems migrate from GSM/GPRS to LTE networks, then resource allocation efficiency and coverage are improved, but device complexity and deployment difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoiddeployment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the LTE frequency spectrum into narrowband resources (180 kHz) specifically for CIoT devices, separating them from wideband LTE resources. This segmentation allows CIoT devices to operate with simplified protocols while dedicating specific frequency resources, thereby improving resource allocation efficiency without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal narrowband interface that enables both standalone CIoT deployment and in-band deployment within LTE networks. The same narrowband resource structure can be used across different deployment scenarios (guard-band mode, in-band mode, standalone mode), providing multi-functionality that reduces deployment complexity while maintaining efficient resource allocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple radio access technologies are maintained for MTC/CIoT services, then device compatibility is improved, but network maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidmaintenance cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges CIoT functionality into the LTE network infrastructure by allocating narrowband resources within the LTE spectrum. This consolidation allows the network to maintain a single RAT (LTE) while supporting both traditional wideband devices and narrowband CIoT devices, thereby reducing maintenance costs associated with multiple RATs while preserving device compatibility through backward-compatible resource allocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If narrowband resources are allocated within LTE spectrum, then resource utilization is improved, but frequency offset management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidfrequency offset management
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by configuring specific subcarriers and resource blocks within the LTE spectrum to have narrowband properties tailored for CIoT. By locally optimizing frequency resource allocation (180 kHz narrowband within wider LTE carrier), the system improves resource utilization for low-data-rate CIoT applications while managing frequency offset through localized synchronization signals and reference signals designed specifically for narrowband operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3414955B1Method and apparatus for synchronization operation in cellular internet of things networks
Publication Date: 2021.10.13 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3414955B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP3414955B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP3414955B1 patent drawingFigure 1c

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a communication method and system for converging a 5th-Generation (5G) communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a 4th-Generation (4G) system with a technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the 5G communication technology and the IoT-related technology, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services. A wireless device for receiving signals, a base station for transmitting a master information block (MIB) in a wireless communication network and a method therefore are provided. The wireless device comprises a receiver configured to receive, from a base station, a master information block (MIB) for a first communication using a first frequency bandwidth, and a processor configured to identify a frequency offset between a center frequency of the first frequency bandwidth and a channel raster for a second communication using a second frequency bandwidth based on information in the MIB. The receiver is further configured to receive, from the base station, signals, through the first communication, based on the frequency offset. The first frequency bandwidth is narrower than the second frequency bandwidth.