Virtual Carrier Resource Allocation for Reduced Capability Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Third and fourth generation mobile telecommunication networks face challenges in efficiently deploying machine-type communication (MTC) devices due to their reduced capability and the need for complex radio transceivers, which are costly and difficult to maintain, especially in scenarios with limited access.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a virtual carrier within the host carrier bandwidth of an LTE network, allowing for efficient allocation of communications resources to MTC devices, using a reduced complexity receiver unit and adapted signalling to support low-capability terminals, thereby optimizing bandwidth use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If advanced data modulation techniques (such as 16 QAM or 64 QAM) are used on the radio interface, then data transmission capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the downlink carrier into a host carrier and a virtual carrier. The virtual carrier is specifically designed for reduced capability devices, providing a simplified modulation scheme (QPSK) that reduces device complexity while the host carrier maintains advanced modulation for full-capability devices. This segmentation allows different parts of the system to operate at different complexity levels according to device capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing different service qualities to different device types within the same network. Reduced capability devices receive service through the virtual carrier with simplified QPSK modulation, while full-capability devices utilize the host carrier with advanced 16 QAM or 64 QAM modulation. This allows the network to optimize for simplicity where needed while maintaining high performance where capable.
2Device complexity
If virtual carrier is provided within host carrier bandwidth for reduced capability devices, then device complexity is reduced, but bandwidth utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the virtual carrier's resource blocks are dynamically assigned to reduced capability devices based on their actual needs. The network can flexibly adjust the amount of bandwidth allocated to the virtual carrier versus the host carrier, optimizing utilization in real-time. This dynamic approach prevents static waste of bandwidth while maintaining the simplified access for reduced capability devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual carrier serves multiple functions: it provides simplified access for reduced capability devices, maintains backward compatibility with existing networks, and enables efficient resource allocation through dedicated control channels. The same infrastructure supports both simplified and advanced devices, making the system universally applicable across different device capabilities.
3Manufacturing precision
If separate resource allocation messages are used for virtual carrier and host carrier, then resource allocation precision is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized intermediary component - the virtual carrier control channel - that specifically handles resource allocation for reduced capability devices. This intermediary structure allows precise allocation to virtual carrier devices without requiring full host carrier signaling procedures. The intermediary simplifies the signaling path for reduced capability devices while maintaining separate, optimized control messages that reduce overall overhead compared to using only host carrier signaling.
Data Source
AI summary
A communications device transmits and receives date via a wireless access interface in a mobile communications network. First resource allocation messages are received by communications devices to allocate one or more of plural communications resource elements of a host frequency range of a host carrier. Second resource allocation messages are received by reduced capability devices to allocate one or more of a first section of the communications resources within the first frequency range for preferable allocation to the reduced capability devices of a first virtual carrier, the first resource allocation messages identifying one or more of the communications resource of the host carrier allocated to the communications devices with reference to a first reference frequency and the second resource allocation messages identifying one or more communications resources of the first virtual earner allocated to the reduced capability devices with reference to a second reference frequency within the first virtual carrier.