Virtual Carrier Insertion for Reduced-Bandwidth LTE MTC Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LTE networks require complex and expensive radio transceivers for devices like MTC terminals, limiting their widespread deployment due to the need to transmit data across the entire bandwidth, which is unnecessary for devices that only transmit small amounts of data infrequently.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a 'virtual carrier' within the LTE uplink carrier, allowing reduced capability terminals to transmit data over a smaller bandwidth using a second random access channel, which is either within or outside the virtual carrier, thereby reducing the complexity and cost of the transceiver units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional LTE networks use advanced data modulation techniques across the entire bandwidth, then network coverage and data rate capabilities are improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the LTE network into two distinct access channels: a first random access channel for conventional terminals requiring full bandwidth access, and a second random access channel specifically for MTC terminals using reduced bandwidth. This segmentation allows MTC devices to operate with simplified transceivers while maintaining network coverage through the dual-channel approach.
2Adaptability or versatility
If MTC terminals transmit data across the entire LTE bandwidth, then network compatibility is maintained, but transceiver cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different operational characteristics to different terminal types within the same network. MTC terminals are allocated a second random access channel with reduced bandwidth requirements, while conventional terminals continue using the first random access channel with full bandwidth. This localized differentiation allows MTC devices to have simpler transceivers while maintaining overall network compatibility.
3Device complexity
If MTC devices use simplified transceivers with reduced bandwidth, then device cost decreases, but ability to access conventional random access channel is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second random access channel as an intermediary specifically designed for MTC terminals. This intermediate channel acts as a bridge, allowing simplified MTC transceivers to access the network without needing to handle the full LTE bandwidth. The second random access channel serves as a dedicated mediator that enables MTC device access while preserving the original first random access channel for conventional terminals.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile telecommunications system including mobile terminals of first type and second type configured to transmit uplink data to a network over a radio interface using plural sub-carriers. The mobile terminals of first type configured to transmit uplink data on a first group of the sub-carriers over a first bandwidth and the mobile terminals of second type configured to transmit uplink data on a second group of the sub-carriers within the first group of sub-carrier over a second bandwidth smaller than the first bandwidth. The mobile terminals of first type transmit random access request messages to a base station of the network requesting uplink radio resources on a first random access channel. The mobile terminals of second type transmit random access request messages to the base station of the network requesting uplink radio resources on a second random access channel on sub-carriers within the second sub-carrier group.