Virtual Carrier Insertion in an OFDM Host Carrier for MTC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LTE networks require complex and expensive transceivers due to advanced data modulation techniques, making it impractical to deploy less complex devices like MTC terminals that only need to transmit small amounts of data infrequently.
Innovation Solution
Introduce a virtual carrier within the host carrier bandwidth, allowing devices with reduced transceiver capabilities to receive and decode data without processing the full bandwidth, using a subset of resource elements defined as a virtual carrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional LTE networks use advanced data modulation techniques, then network performance and data rates are improved, but transceiver complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the LTE network into two distinct carrier types: legacy carriers with advanced modulation for high data rate applications, and simplified carriers with basic modulation for MTC applications. This segmentation allows different devices to operate on appropriate carriers, reducing MTC device complexity while maintaining high data rate capability for smartphones through the legacy network infrastructure.
2Device complexity
If MTC devices use simplified transceivers, then device cost and complexity are reduced, but network compatibility and functionality are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces simplified carriers as an intermediary layer between MTC devices and the legacy LTE network. These carriers use basic modulation techniques that simple transceivers can handle, while the network controller manages resource allocation and data routing. This intermediary enables MTC devices with simple transceivers to access the LTE network without requiring complex modulation capabilities, thus resolving the compatibility issue.
Data Source
AI summary
A network element for use in a mobile communications system and a method of using a network element for communicating data to/from mobile communications devices in a mobile communications system. The network element can provide a wireless access interface for communicating data to/from the mobile communications devices, the wireless access interface including: on a downlink a host carrier, the host carrier providing plural resource elements across a first frequency range; transmit data for a first group of mobile communications devices, wherein the data is distributed within the plural resource elements across the first frequency range; a virtual carrier via the wireless access interface, the virtual carrier providing one or more resource elements within a second frequency range which is within and smaller than the first frequency range; and transmit data for a second group of mobile communications devices via the virtual carrier.