Small Bandwidth Cell Configuration for Interference Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cellular communication systems face challenges in accommodating machine-type communication (MTC) devices alongside broadband communication, particularly due to the need for spectrum efficiency and the limitations of low-cost MTC devices in supporting wide spectrums required for broadband data rates.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to configure a cellular communication system by determining an offset between carrier frequencies of cells with overlapping coverage areas, aligning control signaling to minimize interference, and optimizing bandwidth usage, allowing MTC devices to coexist with broadband communication while enhancing spectrum efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate narrow spectrum is provided for MTC, then MTC devices can coexist with broadband communication, but spectrum efficiency deteriorates because the separate spectrum is not fully exploited when the number of MTC devices is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges MTC and broadband communications by allowing them to share the same spectrum resources. The base station dynamically allocates resources from a common pool to either MTC or broadband users based on current demand, eliminating the need for dedicated separate spectrum and thereby improving overall spectrum efficiency while maintaining reliable coexistence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the base station adjusts the spectrum resources allocated to MTC and broadband communications in real-time based on traffic conditions. When MTC traffic is low, more spectrum is available for broadband; when MTC traffic increases, resources are dynamically reassigned, ensuring optimal spectrum utilization under varying conditions.
2Speed
If wide spectrum is allocated for broadband data rates, then high data rates are achieved, but low-cost MTC devices cannot support the wide spectrum requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the available spectrum into multiple smaller resource blocks that can be flexibly allocated. Low-cost MTC devices are assigned narrow bandwidth allocations (fewer resource blocks) that they can support, while broadband users receive larger allocations. This segmentation allows the system to accommodate both device types with different spectrum capabilities within the same wide spectrum allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different resource allocation strategies for different user types within the same system. MTC devices receive optimized narrowband resource allocations suited to their capabilities, while broadband users receive wideband allocations for high data rates. Each user type receives locally optimized resource quality matching their specific requirements and capabilities.
3Ease of manufacture
If MTC devices use low-cost modems, then device cost is reduced, but the devices cannot support wide spectrums required for broadband communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the allocation parameters of spectrum resources to match device capabilities. Instead of requiring all devices to support wide spectra, the system adjusts the bandwidth parameter allocated to each device based on its capabilities. Low-cost MTC modems are assigned narrow bandwidth parameters they can support, eliminating the need for expensive wideband hardware while maintaining system functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method is disclosed of a network node of a cellular communication system for configuring a first cell of the cellular communication system in relation to a second cell of the cellular communication system. A coverage area of the first cell and a coverage area of the second cell overlap, at least partly. The first cell is to be provided by a first base station of the cellular communication system and has a first bandwidth and the second cell is provided by a second base station of the cellular communication system and has a second bandwidth which is larger than the first bandwidth. The method comprises determining an offset between a first carrier frequency of the first cell and a second carrier frequency of the second cell and configuring the first base station to provide the first cell based on the first carrier frequency. A first spectrum range defined by the first carrier frequency and the first bandwidth is comprised within a second spectrum range defined by the second carrier frequency and the second bandwidth. The offset is determined such that control signaling of the second cell is aligned with control signaling of the first cell to reduce an impact of interference between the control signaling of the first cell and the control signaling of the second cell. Corresponding computer program product, arrangement and network node are also disclosed.