Reduced Bandwidth Control Channel Design for LTE MTC Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, such as LTE systems, do not support providing channel information, including control channel information, uplink information, and downlink information, on a reduced channel bandwidth, which is necessary for reducing network costs and supporting low-cost devices like MTC devices.
Innovation Solution
The system provides methods and devices to support reduced channel bandwidth in wireless communications by using inband assignments for downlink and uplink transmissions, decoding ePDCCH resources, and indicating support for narrow bandwidth by the full bandwidth network, along with the use of PRACH preambles and multi-type subframe definitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the channel bandwidth is reduced to lower device cost and network maintenance cost, then device cost and network maintenance cost are reduced, but the system cannot currently support providing channel information and control channel information on reduced bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control information transmission by introducing separate ePDCCH resources specifically for reduced bandwidth devices. This allows the system to maintain full bandwidth control channels for regular devices while creating dedicated narrowband control channels for low-cost devices, resolving the contradiction by enabling bandwidth-specific control information delivery without compromising overall system capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (ePDCCH with specific resource configurations) that bridges the gap between full bandwidth networks and reduced bandwidth devices. This intermediary enables reduced bandwidth devices to receive necessary control information within their limited bandwidth while the network maintains its full bandwidth operation, thus supporting device cost reduction without sacrificing network adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If inband assignments are used to provide downlink and uplink information on reduced bandwidth, then reduced bandwidth communication is enabled, but additional signaling overhead and complexity are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing PDSCH and PUSCH resources multi-functional by enabling them to carry both data transmissions and control information (inband assignments) for reduced bandwidth devices. This universality allows the system to provide reduced bandwidth support without adding dedicated physical channels, thereby enabling adaptability while minimizing additional signaling complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges control information transmission with data transmission by using inband assignments where control information is conveyed within the data channels (PDSCH/PUSCH). This combining approach enables reduced bandwidth communication support while avoiding the complexity of separate control channel infrastructure, as the same physical resources serve dual purposes
3Reliability
If ePDCCH resources are monitored and decoded on reduced bandwidth, then control information reception is enabled for narrowband devices, but processing requirements and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring ePDCCH resources with specific properties tailored for reduced bandwidth devices, including localized resource element allocations and simplified reference signal patterns within the narrow bandwidth. This localized optimization enables reliable control information reception while keeping processing complexity manageable by adapting the quality and structure of control resources to match the capabilities of narrowband devices
4Productivity
If the network supports full bandwidth while devices use reduced bandwidth, then spectrum efficiency is maintained, but compatibility and coordination between full bandwidth and reduced bandwidth operations become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the coordination complexity by introducing a dimensional separation where reduced bandwidth devices operate in a subset dimension (narrowband ePDCCH resources) within the full bandwidth space. This dimensional approach allows the network to maintain full bandwidth spectrum efficiency while reduced bandwidth devices access only their required portion, with the network coordinating allocations across dimensions without requiring fundamental changes to full bandwidth operation
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and/or methods for supporting communications at a reduced bandwidth with a full bandwidth network such as a long-term evolution (LTE) network may be disclosed. For example, inband assignments such as downlink assignments and/or uplink grants may be provided and/or received and transmissions may be monitored and/or decoded based on the inband assignment. Additionally, information (e.g. a definition or configuration) associated with an ePDCCH may be provided and/or received and ePDCCH resources may be monitored and/or decoded based on such information. An indication for support of a reduced bandwidth by the full bandwidth network may also be provided and/or received and control channels in the reduced or narrow bandwidth may be monitored and/or decoded based on the indication. A PRACH preamble and/or a multi-type subframe definition may also be provided and/or used for support of such a reduced bandwidth.