Virtual Carrier Access for MTC Devices in LTE Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Third and fourth generation mobile telecommunication networks require complex and expensive radio transceivers for advanced data modulation techniques, which is not justified for less complex devices like MTC-type terminals that only need to communicate small amounts of data infrequently, limiting their deployment in LTE networks.
Innovation Solution
A mobile communications unit that allows devices with limited capabilities to access common information across logically separate carriers, reducing resource allocation for shared data and increasing throughput by using virtual carriers within a host carrier, enabling simpler receiver units for MTC-type devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If advanced data modulation techniques are used in third and fourth generation mobile telecommunication networks, then data transmission capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into multiple carriers, where each carrier can be independently configured with different modulation schemes. This allows simple MTC devices to operate on carriers with basic modulation while advanced services can utilize carriers with sophisticated modulation techniques, thus resolving the contradiction between data transmission capability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different carriers are assigned different local qualities in terms of modulation complexity. MTC-specific carriers use simple modulation suitable for low-complexity devices, while other carriers maintain advanced modulation for high-performance applications. This localized differentiation allows each device type to operate optimally without requiring all devices to support complex transceivers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate autonomous networks are created for MTC devices and conventional terminals, then network adaptability is improved, but information duplication increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges MTC devices and conventional terminals into a single unified network infrastructure using multiple carriers. Both device types share the same network core and can access common information through their respective carriers, eliminating the need for separate autonomous networks while maintaining network adaptability through carrier-specific configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The network infrastructure is designed with universal carriers that can serve multiple functions and multiple device types. Carriers are configured to be adaptable to different device capabilities, allowing the same network infrastructure to efficiently serve both MTC devices with limited capabilities and conventional terminals with full capabilities, thereby avoiding information duplication while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile communications unit for communicating data to and/or from base stations, the unit being arranged to communicate data with one or more base stations via a wireless access interface provided by the one or more base stations; arranged to receive transmissions from the one or more base stations via at least one carrier, wherein carriers are logically separate sets of physical resources within a frequency range, the resources of a carrier providing a communication channel; and arranged, upon reception of allocation information comprising an indication of the location of common information within a first carrier, to access the common information in the first carrier, wherein the allocation information is provided in a second carrier and the common information is for at least one mobile unit using the first carrier and for at least one mobile unit using a second carrier.