Non-Anchor PRB Configuration for MTC Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LTE systems face challenges in configuring non-anchor physical resource blocks (PRBs) for user equipment (UE) in machine-type communication (MTC) scenarios, particularly in areas with poor network coverage, where MTC devices experience high penetration losses and require optimized signaling and channel support for low data transmission rates and limited mobility.
Innovation Solution
A method for configuring non-anchor PRBs at a base station, where the non-anchor PRB is selected from LTE in-band or guard band PRBs, with configuration information sent to the UE, including offset indications to determine the non-anchor PRB's location within the LTE bandwidth, enabling effective unicast data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If non-anchor PRB configuration is optimized for MTC devices, then data transmission rate and mobility are improved, but device complexity and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing specific configuration parameters (anchorPRB-Offset, nonAnchorPRB-Offset, firstOffsetFromMiddlePRB, secondOffsetFromMiddlePRB) that define the frequency domain positions of anchor and non-anchor PRBs. These parameters allow the system to adapt the resource block configuration to MTC device requirements while maintaining a structured approach that manages complexity through standardized parameter definitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the LTE frequency band into anchor PRBs and non-anchor PRBs with distinct configurations. Anchor PRBs are used for common transmissions while non-anchor PRBs are optimized for MTC unicast transmissions. This segmentation allows different parts of the frequency spectrum to serve different functions, improving MTC performance without requiring complete reconfiguration of the entire system.
2Reliability
If non-anchor PRB is configured for unicast transmission, then coverage is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the non-anchor PRB parameters through RRC signaling before actual data transmission occurs. The base station sends the offset configurations (firstOffsetFromMiddlePRB, secondOffsetFromMiddlePRB) in advance, allowing the UE to prepare the appropriate frequency resources for upcoming unicast transmissions. This advance configuration reduces the need for dynamic signaling during active transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses offset values as intermediaries to define the relationship between anchor and non-anchor PRBs. Instead of directly configuring absolute frequency positions, the system uses relative offsets from reference points (middle PRB, anchor PRB) as mediators. This indirect configuration method reduces signaling overhead by transmitting smaller offset values rather than complete frequency position information.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a method for configuring a non-anchor PRB executed at a base station, comprising: configuring a non-anchor PRB for a user equipment (UE) for unicast data transmission, wherein the non-anchor PRB is selected from a set of Long Term Evolution (LTE) in-band PRBs or a set of PRBs in the LTE in-band PRBs capable of being used as anchor PRBs; and sending to the UE configuration information of the non-anchor PRB. The present invention further provides a base station for executing the method, a method for determining a location of a non-anchor physical resource block (PRB) executed at a UE, and a UE for executing the method.