SELECTIVE JOINDER OF MACHINE-TYPE COMMUNICATION USER EQUIPMENT WITH WIRELESS CELL

• US 20130303166A1
• Filed: 01/07/2013
• Published: 11/14/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 05/11/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Original Assignee: Intel Corporation
• Inventors: Jain, Puneet, Bangolae, Sangeetha, Tarradell, Marta Martinez, Fong, Mo-Han
• Granted Patent: US 9,246,618 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/435.2
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/56 with provision for simultaneous communication in two directions
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 15/00 Suppression or limitation of noise or interference by means associated with receiver H04B1/10
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/024 Co-operative use of antennas of several sites, e.g. in co-ordinated multipoint or co-operative multiple-input multiple-output [MIMO] systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0417 Feedback systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0456 Selection of precoding matrices or codebooks, e.g. using matrices antenna weighting
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0473 taking constraints in layer or codeword to antenna mapping into account
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0486 taking channel rank into account
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0626 Channel coefficients, e.g. channel state information [CSI]
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/063 Parameters other than those covered in groups H04B7/0623 - H04B7/0634, e.g. channel matrix rank or transmit mode selection
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0632 Channel quality parameters, e.g. channel quality indicator [CQI]
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0639 Using selective indices, e.g. of a codebook, e.g. pre-distortion matrix index [PMI] or for beam selection
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0647 Variable feedback rate
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/065 Variable contents, e.g. long-term or short-short
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/26 at least one of which is mobile
• CPC Class Codes: H04J 3/00 Time-division multiplex systems H04J14/00 takes precedence; relay systems H04B7/14; selecting techniques H04Q
• CPC Class Codes: H04J 3/1694 Allocation of channels in TDM/TDMA networks, e.g. distributed multiplexers Passive Optical Networks H04Q11/0062
• CPC Class Codes: H04J 3/26 in which the information and the address are simultaneously transmitted
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/0026 Transmission of channel quality indication
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/1803 Stop-and-wait protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/1822 involving configuration of automatic repeat request [ARQ] with parallel processes
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 27/2627 : Modulators
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0007 : the frequencies being orthogonal, e.g. OFDM(A), DMT
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/001 : the frequencies being arranged in component carriers
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0035 : Resource allocation in a cooperative multipoint environment
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0053 : Allocation of signaling, i.e. of overhead other than pilot signals
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0073 : Allocation arrangements that take into account other cell interferences for intercell interference mitigation or co-ordination in orthogonal multiplex systems H04J11/005
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0096 : Indication of changes in allocation
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/14 : Two-way operation using the same type of signal, i.e. duplex
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/1469 : using time-sharing
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/00 : Network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communication real-time or near real-time messaging, e.g. instant messaging [IM] H04L51/04; selective video distribution H04N21/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/22 : Parsing or analysis of headers
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/324 : in the data link layer [OSI layer 2], e.g. HDLC
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 16/14 : Spectrum sharing arrangements between different networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 24/02 : Arrangements for optimising operational condition
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 24/10 : Scheduling measurement reports ; Arrangements for measurement reports
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/0061 : of neighbour cell information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/0088 : Scheduling hand-off measurements
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/0094 : Definition of hand-off measurement parameters
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/03 : Reselecting a link using a direct mode connection
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/04 : Reselecting a cell layer in multi-layered cells
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/16 : Performing reselection for specific purposes
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/18 : for allowing seamless reselection, e.g. soft reselection
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/22 : for handling the traffic
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/32 : by location or mobility data, e.g. speed data
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/02 : Services making use of location information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/023 : using mutual or relative location information between multiple location based services [LBS] targets or of distance thresholds
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/029 : Location-based management or tracking services
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/06 : Selective distribution of broadcast services, e.g. multimedia broadcast multicast service [MBMS]; Services to user groups; One-way selective calling services
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/16 : Communication-related supplementary services, e.g. call-transfer or call-hold
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/70 : Services for machine-to-machine communication [M2M] or machine type communication [MTC]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/90 : Services for handling of emergency or hazardous situations, e.g. earthquake and tsunami warning systems [ETWS]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/20 : Selecting an access point
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0209 : in terminal devices terminal devices per se H04W88/02
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0212 : managed by the network, e.g. network or access point is master and terminal is slave
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0216 : using a pre-established activity schedule, e.g. traffic indication frame
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0225 : using monitoring of external events, e.g. the presence of a signal
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0229 : where the received signal is a wanted signal
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0235 : where the received signal is a power saving command
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0251 : using monitoring of local events, e.g. events related to user activity
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 56/00 : Synchronisation arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 56/001 : Synchronization between nodes
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/02 : Selection of wireless resources by user or terminal
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/044 : based on the type of the allocated resource
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/12 : Wireless traffic scheduling
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/1215 : for collaboration of different radio technologies
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/21 : in the uplink direction of a wireless link, i.e. towards the network
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/23 : in the downlink direction of a wireless link, i.e. towards a terminal
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/27 : between access points
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/30 : Resource management for broadcast services
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/51 : based on terminal or device properties
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/54 : based on quality criteria
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/541 : using the level of interference
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/542 : using measured or perceived quality
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/56 : based on priority criteria
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/14 : Direct-mode setup
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/18 : Management of setup rejection or failure
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/27 : Transitions between radio resource control [RRC] states
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/28 : Discontinuous transmission [DTX]; Discontinuous reception [DRX]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/02 : Terminal devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 : adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/08 : Access point devices
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 : in wireless communication networks

Abstract

Embodiments are described herein for selective joinder of wireless cells by machine-type communication (“MTC”) user equipment (“UE”). An MTC UE may detect a plurality of wireless cells, each provided by an evolved Node B (“eNB”). The MTC UE may detect eNB categories associated with individual wireless cells of the plurality of wireless cells, and may identify one or more wireless cells of the plurality of detected wireless cells on which MTC traffic is permitted based on the associated eNB categories. The MTC UE may selectively join a wireless cell of the one or more identified wireless cells based on a cell selection criterion. Additionally, an eNB may provide a wireless cell and provide, to an MTC UE, an MTC policy that identifies a circumstance under which the eNB will permit MTC traffic. The eNB may be configured to selectively serve the MTC UE based on the MTC policy.

Claims

1. Machine-type communication (“

MTC”

) user equipment (“

UE”

) comprising processing circuitry to;

detect a plurality of wireless cells, each provided by an evolved Node B (“

eNB”

);

detect eNB categories associated with individual wireless cells of the plurality of wireless cells;

identify one or more wireless cells of the plurality of detected wireless cells on which MTC traffic is permitted based on the associated eNB categories; and

selectively join a wireless cell of the one or more identified wireless cells based on a cell selection criterion.

2. The MTC UE of claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry is further to:

cross check a list of MTC-dedicated eNBs to which the MTC UE is permitted to connect against the identified wireless cells; and

selectively join the wireless cell further based on a result of the cross check.

3. The MTC UE of claim 2, wherein the processing circuitry is further to obtain the list of MTC-dedicated eNBs from an eNB.

4. The MTC UE of claim 2, wherein the processing circuitry is further to obtain the list of MTC-dedicated eNBs using non-access stratum (“

NAS”

) signaling.

5. The MTC UE of claim 2, wherein the processing circuitry is further to:

determine that none of the MTC-dedicated eNBs on the list are able to serve the MTC UE; and

identify an eNB that serves both MTC and non-MTC traffic, based on an MTC policy of the eNB that identifies a circumstance under which the eNB will permit MTC traffic.

6. The MTC UE of claim 5, wherein the MTC policy is provided by an eNB or configured on the MTC UE using an Open Mobile Alliance Device Management (“

OMA-DM”

) configuration.

7. The MTC UE of claim 5, wherein the circumstance comprises the MTC UE being at or near a predefined location, within a geofence or a particular type of MTC UE.

8. The MTC UE of claim 1, wherein the cell selection criterion comprises a signal strength of the one or more identified wireless cells or expiration of a retries counter.

9. The MTC UE of claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry is further to:

transition the MTC UE from a connected mode to an idle mode, and while in idle mode;

periodically detect another plurality of wireless cells, each provided by an eNB;

detect eNB categories associated with individual wireless cells of the another plurality of wireless cells;

identify one or more wireless cells of the another plurality of detected wireless cells on which MTC traffic is permitted based on the associated eNB categories; and

selectively initiate handoff from the wireless cell to which the MTC UE previously selectively joined to another wireless cell of the one or more identified wireless cells of the another plurality of detected wireless cells based on the cell selection criterion.

10. The MTC UE of claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to obtain, from the eNB upon detection of a network overload, an instruction to transition from a connected mode to an idle mode or release a connection to the eNB and redirect subsequent communications through another eNB.

11. An evolved Node B (“

eNB”

) comprising processing circuitry to;

provide a wireless cell;

provide, to a machine-type communications (“

MTC”

) user equipment (“

UE”

) that detects the wireless cell, an MTC policy that identifies a circumstance under which the eNB will permit MTC traffic; and

selectively serve the MTC UE based on the MTC policy.

12. The eNB of claim 11, wherein the processing circuitry is further to provide the MTC policy to the MTC UE using non-access stratum (“

NAS”

) signaling and/or radio resource control (“

RRC”

) signaling.

13. The eNB of claim 11, wherein the processing circuitry is further to release the MTC UE responsive to a determination that a portion of a network to which the eNB is connected is overloaded, wherein release of the MTC UE comprises transition of the MTC UE to an idle or disconnected mode, or redirection to a new eNB.

14. The eNB of claim 13, wherein the portion of the network is the wireless cell provided by the eNB.

15. The eNB of claim 11, wherein the circumstance comprises the MTC UE being at or near a predefined location.

16. The eNB of claim 11, wherein the circumstance comprises the MTC UE being within a geofence.

17. The eNB of claim 11, wherein the circumstance comprises the MTC UE being a particular type of MTC UE.

18. The eNB of claim 11, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to:

detect a plurality of mobility management entities (“

MME”

);

detect MME categories associated with individual MMEs of the plurality of MMEs;

identify one or more MMEs of the plurality of detected MMEs dedicated to MTC traffic based on the associated MME categories; and

select an MME of the one or more identified MMEs based on an MME selection criterion.

19. The eNB of claim 18, wherein the MME categories are detected over one or more S1 interface.

20. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, in response to execution of the instructions by a machine-type communication (“

MTC”

) user equipment (“

UE”

), enable the MTC UE to;

identify evolved Node B (“

eNB”

) categories associated with eNBs that provide individual wireless cells of a plurality of wireless cells;

select, from the plurality of wireless cells, a wireless cell for the MTC UE to join to transmit or receive MTC traffic, based on the identified MTC categories and a cell selection criterion including one or more of a relative signal strength of the eNB that provides the selected wireless cell or expiration of a retries counter.

21. The computer-readable medium of claim 20, wherein the selection is further based on an MTC policy obtained from the selected eNB, wherein the MTC policy identifies a circumstance under which the eNB will permit MTC traffic.

22. The computer-readable medium of claim 21, wherein the circumstance comprises the MTC UE being at or near a particular location.

23. The computer-readable medium of claim 21, wherein the circumstance comprises the MTC UE being within a geofence.

24. The computer-readable medium of claim 21, wherein the circumstance comprises the MTC UE being a particular type of UE.

25. The computer-readable medium of claim 21, wherein the MTC categories or the MTC policy are obtained using non-access stratum (“

NAS”

) signaling.