WO2013116973A1 - Resource allocations supporting different bandwidths for machine-type communication - Google Patents

Resource allocations supporting different bandwidths for machine-type communication Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013116973A1
WO2013116973A1 PCT/CN2012/070892 CN2012070892W WO2013116973A1 WO 2013116973 A1 WO2013116973 A1 WO 2013116973A1 CN 2012070892 W CN2012070892 W CN 2012070892W WO 2013116973 A1 WO2013116973 A1 WO 2013116973A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
region
communication mode
accordance
sub
control channel
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PCT/CN2012/070892
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Na WEI
Chunyan Gao
Shuang TAN
Jing HAN
Wei Bai
Haiming Wang
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Renesas Mobile Corporation
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Priority to PCT/CN2012/070892 priority Critical patent/WO2013116973A1/en
Publication of WO2013116973A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013116973A1/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/70—Services for machine-to-machine communication [M2M] or machine type communication [MTC]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W72/00—Local resource management
    • H04W72/50—Allocation or scheduling criteria for wireless resources
    • H04W72/51—Allocation or scheduling criteria for wireless resources based on terminal or device properties
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W72/00—Local resource management
    • H04W72/04—Wireless resource allocation
    • H04W72/044—Wireless resource allocation based on the type of the allocated resource
    • H04W72/0453—Resources in frequency domain, e.g. a carrier in FDMA

Definitions

  • the exemplary and non-limiting embodiments of this invention relate generally to wireless communication systems, methods, devices and computer programs and, more specifically, relate to resource allocations for machine-type communications and devices.
  • eNB E-UTRAN Node B (evolved Node B) E-PDCCH enhanced physical downlink control channel
  • LTE evolved universal terrestrial radio access network
  • E-UTRAN LTE long term evolution of UTRAN
  • UE user equipment such as a mobile station, mobile node or mobile terminal
  • Wi-Fi WLAN based on the IEEE 802.11 standard
  • WiMAX worldwide interoperability for microwave access (IEEE 802.16 standard)
  • WLAN wireless local area network MTC also termed M2M communications
  • M2M is the networking of intelligent, communications-enabled remote assets which allows for the automatic exchange of information without human intervention.
  • M2M covers a broad range of technologies and applications which connect the physical world - whether machines or monitored physical conditions - to a back-end IT infrastructure.
  • MTC/M2M systems are already in place and new systems are being standardized which are anticipated to greatly expand how prevalent MTC will become, the future target being the Internet of Things (IoT).
  • IoT Internet of Things
  • M2M communications are made possible by the use of elements such as intelligent sensors, actuators and/or microprocessors that are embedded in a remote asset. Sensors and actuators may be connected to a wireless modem, possibly different from those in conventional mobile phones. Such a wireless modem is configured to wirelessly receive data from a central server and to transmit data to the central server where it can be analyzed and acted upon.
  • Wireless communications technologies used to enable this connectivity include GSM, GPRS, CDMA, 3G, LTE, Wi-Fi and WiMAX, as non-limiting examples.
  • M2M communications can be conducted over a relatively short range or a distance of many miles, as non-limiting examples. Since M2M communications vary widely in both the types of data reported and the RATs used, the traffic models are quite diverse and no single networking model will be efficient for all of them. For example, if M2M is applied to monitor natural disasters, a huge number of M2M devices may initiate services simultaneously, with each reporting a small amount of data to the application layer when triggered by an appropriate event. This is classified as an infrequent small data transmission.
  • MTC Mobility Management Entities
  • GSM/GPRS Global System for Mobile communications
  • a method comprising: providing a resource space comprised of a plurality of time-frequency resources for use in conjunction with wireless communications, where the resource space comprises a first region and a second region, where the first region has a narrower bandwidth than the second region, where the second region comprises the first region; allocating at least one first resource of the first region for a first apparatus, where the first apparatus communicates in accordance with a first communication mode, where a portion of the first region comprises a first enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the first communication mode, where the first enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises at least one first sub-region; and allocating at least one second resource of the second region for a second apparatus, where the second apparatus communicates in accordance with a second communication mode that is different from the first communication mode, where a portion of the second region comprises a second enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the second communication mode, where the second enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises at least one second sub-region, where all of the sub-regions are indexed
  • a computer-readable medium storing program instructions, execution of the program instructions resulting in operations comprising: providing a resource space comprised of a plurality of time-frequency resources for use in conjunction with wireless communications, where the resource space comprises a first region and a second region, where the first region has a narrower bandwidth than the second region, where the second region comprises the first region; allocating at least one first resource of the first region for a first apparatus, where the first apparatus communicates in accordance with a first communication mode, where a portion of the first region comprises a first enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the first communication mode, where the first enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises at least one first sub-region; and allocating at least one second resource of the second region for a second apparatus, where the second apparatus communicates in accordance with a second communication mode that is different from the first communication mode, where a portion of the second region comprises a second enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the second communication mode, where the second enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises at least
  • an apparatus comprising: means for providing a resource space comprised of a plurality of time- frequency resources for use in conjunction with wireless communications, where the resource space comprises a first region and a second region, where the first region has a narrower bandwidth than the second region, where the second region comprises the first region; means for allocating at least one first resource of the first region for a first apparatus, where the first apparatus communicates in accordance with a first communication mode, where a portion of the first region comprises a first enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the first communication mode, where the first enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises at least one first sub-region; and means for allocating at least one second resource of the second region for a second apparatus, where the second apparatus communicates in accordance with a second communication mode that is different from the first communication mode, where a portion of the second region comprises a second enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the second communication mode, where the second enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises at least one second sub-region, where all of the
  • an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing a computer program, in which the at least one memory with the computer program is configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least perform: provide a resource space comprised of a plurality of time-frequency resources for use in conjunction with wireless communications, where the resource space comprises a first region and a second region, where the first region has a narrower bandwidth than the second region, where the second region comprises the first region; allocate at least one first resource of the first region for a first apparatus, where the first apparatus communicates in accordance with a first communication mode, where a portion of the first region comprises a first enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the first communication mode, where the first enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises at least one first sub-region; and allocate at least one second resource of the second region for a second apparatus, where the second apparatus communicates in accordance with a second communication mode that is different from the first communication mode, where a portion of the second region comprises a second
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified block diagram of various exemplary electronic devices that are suitable for use in practicing the exemplary embodiments of this invention
  • FIG. 2 shows a first exemplary implementation in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the invention
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a second exemplary implementation in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the invention
  • FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart illustrating one non-limiting example of a method for practicing the exemplary embodiments of this invention.
  • Narrow bandwidth is considered to be a property for low cost MTC UEs due to low traffic needs.
  • MTC may need to support a bandwidth of 1.4MHz, 3MHz or 5MHz, For example, if the MTC is to co-exist with legacy UEs in a 20MHz LTE system, the MTC UEs may only be able to receive a portion of the LTE bandwidth.
  • the exemplary embodiments of the invention are directed towards the design of efficient control signaling resource allocation to support MTC UEs with different bandwidths (e.g., different from those available via LTE).
  • Rl-113560 it is suggested that only 1.4MHz MTC be supported. Thus, a MTC UE would only need to consider this one bandwidth for MTC control design. However, this overly limits the potential MTC service/type and many companies have suggested considering up to 5MHz for MTC (see R 1 -1 12 12).
  • Rl -1 13560 "Possible Approaches and Impacts of Low-Cost MTC UEs based on LTE," HTC, October 10-14, 2011.
  • Rl-112912 “Overview on low-cost MTC UEs based on LTE,” Huawei, HiSilicon, CMCC, October 10-14, 2011.
  • the exemplary embodiments of the invention are directed toward adapting conventional cellular network protocols, which were originally developed for human-oriented communications with a large system bandwidth, to more efficiently support MTC communications which might only utilize a small bandwidth. While the various examples are explained with respect to MTC in the LTE/LTE-A systems, these exemplary teachings are adaptable to non-MTC as well as to other RATs beyond LTE and/or LTE- A.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified block diagram of various exemplary electronic devices that are suitable for use in practicing the exemplary embodiments of this invention.
  • a wireless radio access network 26 is adapted for communication over a wireless link 21 with an apparatus, such as a MTC device 20 (termed above more generally as a radio device and which may be implemented as a mobile terminal, mobile phone, UE or other portable electronic device) via a network access node, such as a base or relay station or, more specifically, an eNB 22.
  • a MTC device 20 termed above more generally as a radio device and which may be implemented as a mobile terminal, mobile phone, UE or other portable electronic device
  • a network access node such as a base or relay station or, more specifically, an eNB 22.
  • the radio access network 26 may include a network control element embodied as a mobility management entity/serving gateway (MME/SGW) 23, which provides connectivity with further networks (e.g., a publicly switched telephone network (PSTN), a data communications network, and/or the Internet) as well as other network elements. Also shown in FIG. 1 is a core network (CN) server 24 which is connected to the eNB 22 via the MME/SGW 23.
  • MME/SGW 23 core network
  • the MTC device 20 may be any host device of a MTC-specific SIM card, an ordinary SIM card, or even a radio device lacking a SIM card.
  • the MTC radio device 20 includes processing means (such as at least one processor and/or at least one data processor (DP) 20A), storage means (such as at least one computer-readable memory (MEM) 20B which may be non-transitory and/or fixed in nature) storing at least one computer program (PROG) 20C (e.g., executable by the MTC device 20 which causes the MTC device 20 to perform actions as described herein), and communication means (such as at least one transmitter (TX) 20D and/or at least one receiver (RX) 20E for/enabling/operable for bidirectional wireless communications with the eNB 22 via one or more antennas 20F).
  • processing means such as at least one processor and/or at least one data processor (DP) 20A
  • storage means such as at least one computer-readable memory (MEM) 20B which may be non-transitory and/or fixed in nature
  • PROG computer program
  • TX transmitter
  • RX receiver
  • SIM card is not specifically shown but, if present for implementing certain exemplary embodiments of these teachings in a MTC radio device 20, the SIM card may include at least one processor and/or at least one memory storing at least one computer program which, when executed by the one or more processors, operates in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the invention as described herein.
  • the eNB 22 includes processing means (such as at least one processor and/or at least one data processor (DP) 22A), storage means (such as at least one computer-readable memory (MEM) 22B which may be non-transitory and/or fixed in nature) storing at least one computer program (PROG) 22C (e.g., executable by the eNB 22 which causes the eNB 22 to perform actions as described herein), and communication means (such as at least one transmitter (TX) 22D and/or at least one receiver (RX) 22E for/enabling/operable for bidirectional wireless communications with the MTC device 20 via one or more antennas 22F).
  • TX transmitter
  • RX receiver
  • the CN server 24 includes processing means (such as at least one processor and/or at least one data processor (DP) 24A), storage means (such as at least one computer-readable memory (MEM) 24B which may be non-transitory and/or fixed in nature) storing at least one computer program (PROG) 24C of executable instructions, and communication means (such as a modem 24H for bidirectional communications with the eNB 22 via the MEME/S-GW 23 and its data/control path 25).
  • processing means such as at least one processor and/or at least one data processor (DP) 24A
  • storage means such as at least one computer-readable memory (MEM) 24B which may be non-transitory and/or fixed in nature
  • PROG computer program
  • communication means such as a modem 24H for bidirectional communications with the eNB 22 via the MEME/S-GW 23 and its data/control path 25.
  • those devices are also assumed to include as part of their wireless communicating means a modem which may be inbuilt on an RF front end chip within those devices 20, 22 and which may also carry the TX 20D/22D and/or the RX 20E/22E.
  • At least one of the PROGs 20 C in the MTC radio device 20 is assumed to include a set of program instructions that, when executed by the associated DP 20A, enable the device to operate in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of this invention, as described herein.
  • the eNB 22 and CN server 24 may also have software (e.g., at least one program of computer instructions) configured to implement various aspects of the exemplary embodiments of the invention as described herein.
  • the exemplary embodiments of this invention may be implemented at least in part by computer software stored on one or more of the MEMs 20B, 22B which is executable by the associated DP 20A of the MTC radio device 20 and/or by the DP 22 A of the eNB 22 and/or by the DP 24A of the CN server 24, or by hardware, or by a combination of tangibly stored software and/or hardware (e.g., and/or tangibly stored firmware).
  • Electronic devices implementing the exemplary embodiments of the invention need not be the entire MTC radio device 20, eNB 22 or CN server 24.
  • Exemplary embodiments of the invention may be implemented by one or more components of these devices, such as one or more of: the above-described tangibly stored software, hardware, firmware and DP, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and/or a system on a chip (SOC) (e.g., which for the MTC radio device 20 may be a MTC-specific SIM card and/or a modem, as non-limiting examples).
  • ASIC application specific integrated circuit
  • SOC system on a chip
  • the various exemplary embodiments of the MTC device 20 can include, but are not limited to, portable or fixed sensing devices having wireless communication capabilities, and also personal/user operated portable digital devices having wireless communication capabilities including, but not limited to, portable devices, mobile phones, cellular phones, navigation devices, laptop/palmtop/tablet computers, digital cameras, music devices and Internet appliances.
  • Various exemplary embodiments of the computer readable MEMs 20B, 22B and 24B may include any data storage technology type which is suitable to the local technical environment, including, but not limited to, semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, removable memory, disc memory, flash memory, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), and/or erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM).
  • Various exemplary embodiments of the DPs 20A, 22A and 24A may include, but are not limited to, general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs) and multi-core processors.
  • exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below in terms of two exemplary techniques, labeled first and second. It should be noted that these exemplary techniques are not exclusive (e.g., they may be used in concert with one another) nor are they exhaustive (e.g., the exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited solely to these two exemplary techniques).
  • New and/or different CCE indexing can be used to achieve compatibility for UEs with different bandwidth(s).
  • CCE formation e.g., consists of certain REGs
  • Some across-bandwidth CCE(s) may be defined for larger bandwidth(s) provided there is a common understanding on CCE formation between the UEs and the eNB(s).
  • the E-PDCCH region(s) for different bandwidth UEs is/are defined differently, and the regions can overlap.
  • the E-PDCCH region for smallest bandwidth UEs can include one or more sub-regions, each of which is comprised of certain CCEs within this bandwidth (i.e., the smallest bandwidth). Different sub-regions are defined from non- overlapping CCEs (i.e., the sub-regions do not overlap and, thus, are distinct). As a non-limiting example, sub-regions within one bandwidth may be indexed in incremental order.
  • the E-PDCCH region for a larger bandwidth UEs may include part or all of the smaller bandwidth sub-regions, and further may include additional (e.g., new) sub-regions which lie outside of the smaller bandwidth's sub-regions.
  • additional sub-regions may be indexed in incremental order after the old sub-regions (i.e., those for the smaller/smallest bandwidth).
  • E-PDCCH in the central 6 PRBs may be termed the first sub-region, and E-PDCCH in the PRBs outside of the central 6 PRBs but within 15 PRBs are deemed the second sub-region.
  • a 3 MHz UE's E-PDCCH region consists of the first and second sub-regions.
  • the CCE indexing for these sub-regions follows the above-mentioned rules, for example, with all CCEs in the first sub-region being indexed first, followed by all CCEs in the second sub-region, and so on, until all of the sub-regions throughout the (maximum) bandwidth have been indexed.
  • UEs with different bandwidth(s) only need search the control sub-regions within its supporting bandwidth.
  • UEs supports larger bandwidth can access the control sub-regions of lower bandwidth(s), but lower bandwidth UEs cannot access control sub-region(s) of the larger bandwidth(s).
  • the proposed unified CCE indexing across the multiple sub-regions helps the eNB maintain only one CCE indexing mapping across the entire bandwidth for different bandwidth capable UEs.
  • FIG. 2 An exemplary implementation for the first exemplary technique is illustrated in FIG. 2.
  • the normal PDCCH is unchanged to support the normal legacy UEs.
  • a new MTC PDCCH portion is defined. Inside this MTC PDCCH portion, the CCE index order is rearranged so that it will cover the smallest bandwidth first, then go through the next larger region of bandwidth, and so on until the maximum bandwidth to cover all CCEs indexed.
  • the 1.4MHz MTC UEs can access 5 CCEs
  • 3MHz MTC UEs can access 10 CCEs
  • 5 MHz MTC UEs can access 16 CCEs.
  • the Rel-8 control search space and blind detection design could be reused for MTCs with a smaller bandwidth.
  • mapping order is only a minor change for implementation.
  • the CCE resources indexed 11-16 instead can be used for the PDSCH, which brings added flexibility to the system.
  • Another advantage for such a design is that MTC with different bandwidth capabilities can share the CCEs amongst themselves.
  • REGs not assigned to PCFICH or PHICH within the 3 MHz band and not within the 1.4 MHz band are deemed region 2, N ⁇ a temp ⁇ 2 ⁇
  • These REGs consist of CCEs in sub-regions numbered from N CCE Bl to N CCE S2 - l , where
  • N REG _ lemp _ B3 The number of REGs not assigned to PCFICH or PHICH within the 5 MHz band and not within the 3 MHz band is deemed region 3, N REG _ lemp _ B3 .
  • These REGs consist of CCEs in sub-re ions numbered from N CCE _ B2 to N CCE _ Bi - l ⁇ where N CCE _ B1 ⁇ N CCE _ S2 — ⁇ '
  • the control region for 1.4 MHz MTC UEs consists of sub-regions of CCEs numbered from 0 to N CCE B , k - 1 according to the procedure above, where N CCE BU is the total number of CCEs in the control region within 1.4 MHz of subframe k , that is region 1.
  • the control region for 3 MHz MTC UEs consists of sub-regions of CCEs numbered from 0 to N CCE B2 k - 1 according to the procedure above, where N CCE _ B 2 ,* is the total number of CCEs in the control region within 3 MHz of subframe k , that is regions 1 and 2.
  • the control region for 5 MHz MTC UEs consists of sub-regions of CCEs numbered from 0 to N CCE B3 k - 1 according to the procedure above, where N CCE B3 k is the total number of CCEs in the control region within 5 MHz of subframe k , that is regions 1 , 2 and 3.
  • the CCEs corresponding to PDCCH candidate m of the search space S k lL) for 1.4 MHz MTCs are given by L ⁇ ⁇ Y k + m) mod [N CC£ Bl k I Z,J ⁇ + i .
  • the CCEs corresponding to PDCCH candidate m of the search space S[ L for 3 MHz MTCs are given by L ⁇ ⁇ (Y K + m) mod [N CCE B2IK / Z, J+ / .
  • the CCEs corresponding to PDCCH candidate m of the search space S k ⁇ L for 5 MHz MTCs are given by L - ⁇ (Y k + m) mod
  • a separate and non-overlapping E-PDCCH region may be used for UEs (e.g., MTC devices) with different bandwidth(s).
  • the different, non-overlapped E-PDCCH region is configured specifically for UEs with a different bandwidth capability.
  • the CCE indexing in this region is predefined separately.
  • UEs configured for one bandwidth only need to be aware of one E-PDCCH configuration.
  • the collision of one band UEs 1 PDSCH with another band UEs' E-PDCCH is avoided via scheduling.
  • An exemplary implementation for the second exemplary technique is illustrated in FIG. 3.
  • the normal PDCCH is unchanged.
  • MTC UEs are configured to read control information from an E-PDCCH.
  • the E-PDCCH locations for different MTC UEs are the few subcarriers/PRBs at the different bandwidth edges, respectively.
  • band A since the bandwidth is too small the E-PDCCH is located on one side of the band edge.
  • band B the E-PDCCH is located at both sides of the band to maximize frequency diversity.
  • the larger bandwidth MTC (band B UEs such as UE2) may also access the E-PDCCH inside band A, but band A capable MTC UEs (e.g., UE1) cannot access band B's E-PDCCH.
  • Band C corresponds to the entire available bandwidth (e.g., which may be available for newer UEs, normal UEs, non-machine type communication modes).
  • the PDCCH block interleaver may be disabled, or it may be activated across sub -regions which are accessible by only one bandwidth UE.
  • the precise E-PDCCH resource allocation(s) and indication(s) used may be of any type and/or location suitable to the technical environment.
  • MTC UEs with different bandwidth(s) can access a control region within its bandwidth capability.
  • the E-PDCCH can be used to support different bandwidth MTC UEs and normal UEs with a relatively simple implementation.
  • the E-PDCCH resources can be more efficiently shared among different bandwidth MTC UEs and normal UEs with relatively minor changes to CCE indexing mapping.
  • a method comprising: providing (e.g., by an apparatus, by at least one apparatus) a resource space comprised of a plurality of time-frequency resources for use in conjunction with wireless communications, where the resource space comprises a first region and a second region, where the first region has a narrower bandwidth than the second region, where the second region comprises the first region (401); allocating (e.g., by an apparatus, by at least one apparatus, by the apparatus, by the at least one apparatus) at least one first resource of the first region for a first apparatus, where the first apparatus communicates in accordance with a first communication mode, where a portion of the first region comprises a first enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the first communication mode, where the first enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises at least one first sub-region (402); and allocating (e.g., by an apparatus, by at least one apparatus, by the apparatus, by the at least one apparatus) at least one second resource of the second region for a second
  • the first communication mode comprises a first machine-type communication mode and the second communication mode comprises a second machine-type communication mode.
  • the second communication mode comprises a 10 MHz bandwidth communication mode or a 20 MHz bandwidth communication mode.
  • sending e.g., by an apparatus, by at least one apparatus, by the apparatus, by the at least one apparatus
  • the first communication mode comprises a first evolved universal terrestrial radio access network communication mode
  • the second communication mode comprises a second evolved universal terrestrial radio access network communication mode.
  • the resource space further comprises a third region, where the second region has a narrower bandwidth than the third region, where the third region comprises the second region, the method further comprising; allocating at least one third resource of the third region for a third apparatus, where the third apparatus communicates in accordance with a third communication mode that is different from the first communication mode and the second communication mode.
  • the third region comprises a 5 MHz machine-type communication search space for a physical downlink control channel in accordance with the third communication mode.
  • a method as in any above, where a portion of the third region comprises a third enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the third communication mode, where the third enhanced physical downlink control channel is located in at least one third frequency band along at least one bandwidth edge of the third region.
  • a method as in any above, where a portion of the third region comprises a third enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the third communication mode, where the third enhanced physical downlink control channel is located in two third frequency bands along both bandwidth edges of the third region.
  • a portion of the first region comprises a first enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the first communication mode
  • the first enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises a plurality of first sub-regions
  • a portion of the second region comprises a second enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the second communication mode
  • the second enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises a plurality of second sub-regions, where all of the sub-regions are indexed in ascending order such that the plurality of first sub-regions are indexed before the plurality of second sub-regions
  • a portion of the third region comprises a third enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the third communication mode
  • the third enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises a plurality of third sub-regions, where the plurality of second sub-regions are indexed before the plurality of third sub-regions.
  • a method as in any above, where the third communication mode comprises a 10 MHz bandwidth communication mode or a 20 MHz bandwidth communication mode.
  • the first communication mode comprises a machine-type communication mode
  • the second communication mode comprises a machine-type communication mode
  • the third communication mode does not comprise a machine-type communication mode
  • the first communication mode comprises a machine-type communication mode
  • the second communication mode comprises a machine-type communication mode
  • the third communication mode comprises a 10 MHz bandwidth communication mode or a 20 MHz bandwidth communication mode.
  • the third region is a third contiguous block of time-frequency resources.
  • the third region comprises an entirety of the second region.
  • the second communication mode comprises an evolved universal terrestrial radio access network communication mode.
  • the second region comprises an entirety of the first region.
  • the first region is a first contiguous block of time-frequency resources, where the second region is a second contiguous block of time- frequency resources.
  • a method as in any above, implemented and/or embodied as a computer program implemented as a program of instructions stored (e.g., tangibly embodied) on a program storage device (e.g., at least one memory, at least one computer-readable medium) and executable by a computer (e.g., at least one processor).
  • a program storage device e.g., at least one memory, at least one computer-readable medium
  • executable by a computer e.g., at least one processor
  • a computer-readable storage medium tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by a machine for performing operations comprising any of the above-described methods.
  • a computer-readable medium e.g., non-transitory
  • program instructions execution of the program instructions resulting in operations comprising: providing a resource space comprised of a plurality of time-frequency resources for use in conjunction with wireless communications, where the resource space comprises a first region and a second region, where the first region has a narrower bandwidth than the second region, where the second region comprises the first region (401); allocating at least one first resource of the first region for a first apparatus, where the first apparatus communicates in accordance with a first communication mode, where a portion of the first region comprises a first enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the first communication mode, where the first enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises at least one first sub-region (402); and allocating at least one second resource of the second region for a second apparatus, where the second apparatus communicates in accordance with a second communication mode that is different from the first communication mode, where a portion of the second region comprises a second enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with
  • an apparatus comprising: means for providing a resource space comprised of a plurality of time-frequency resources for use in conjunction with wireless communications, where the resource space comprises a first region and a second region, where the first region has a narrower bandwidth than the second region, where the second region comprises the first region; means for allocating at least one first resource of the first region for a first apparatus, where the first apparatus communicates in accordance with a first communication mode, where a portion of the first region comprises a first enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the first communication mode, where the first enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises at least one first sub-region; and means for allocating at least one second resource of the second region for a second apparatus, where the second apparatus communicates in accordance with a second communication mode that is different from the first communication mode, where a portion of the second region comprises a second enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the second communication mode, where the second enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises at least one second sub-region, where all of the sub
  • An apparatus as above further comprising: means for sending (e.g., at least one transmitter, at least one communication component) at least one communication in accordance with the allocated resources of the resource space.
  • means for sending e.g., at least one transmitter, at least one communication component
  • An apparatus as in any above embodied as one or more integrated circuits.
  • an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing a computer program, in which the at least one memory with the computer program is configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least perform: provide a resource space comprised of a plurality of time-frequency resources for use in conjunction with wireless communications, where the resource space comprises a first region and a second region, where the first region has a narrower bandwidth than the second region, where the second region comprises the first region; allocate at least one first resource of the first region for a first apparatus, where the first apparatus communicates in accordance with a first communication mode, where a portion of the first region comprises a first enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the first communication mode, where the first enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises at least one first sub-region; and allocate at least one second resource of the second region for a second apparatus, where the second apparatus communicates in accordance with a second communication mode that is different from the first communication mode, where a portion of the second region
  • An apparatus as in any above where the at least one memory with the computer program is configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least further perform: send at least one communication in accordance with the allocated resources of the resource space.
  • An apparatus as in any above embodied as one or more integrated circuits.
  • an apparatus comprising: first processing circuitry configured to provide a resource space comprised of a plurality of time-frequency resources for use in conjunction with wireless communications, where the resource space comprises a first region and a second region, where the first region has a narrower bandwidth than the second region, where the second region comprises the first region; first allocation circuitry configured to allocate at least one first resource of the first region for a first apparatus, where the first apparatus communicates in accordance with a first communication mode, where a portion of the first region comprises a first enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the first communication mode, where the first enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises at least one first sub-region; and second allocation circuitry configured to allocate at least one second resource of the second region for a second apparatus, where the second apparatus communicates in accordance with a second communication mode that is different from the first communication mode, where a portion of the second region comprises a second enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the second communication mode, where the second enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises
  • exemplary embodiments of the invention as discussed herein and as particularly described with respect to exemplary methods, maybe implemented in conjunction with a program storage device (e.g., at least one memory, at least one computer-readable medium, at least one non-transitory computer readable medium) readable by a machine (e.g., a processor, at least one processor, a data processor, at least one data processor), tangibly embodying a program of instructions (e.g., program, computer program) executable by the machine for performing operations.
  • the operations comprise steps of utilizing the exemplary embodiments of the invention and/or steps of a method.
  • the blocks shown in FIG, 4 further may be considered to correspond to one or more functions and/or operations that are performed by one or more components, circuits, chips, apparatus, processors, computer programs and/or function blocks. Any and/or all of the above may be implemented in any practicable solution or arrangement that enables operation in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the invention as described herein.
  • the arrangement of the blocks depicted in FIG. 4 should be considered merely exemplary and non-limiting. It should be appreciated that the blocks shown in FIG. 4 may correspond to one or more functions and/or operations that may be performed in any order (e.g., any suitable, practicable and/or feasible order) and/or concurrently (e.g., as suitable, practicable and/or feasible) so as to implement one or more of the exemplary embodiments of the invention. In addition, one or more additional functions, operations and/or steps may be utilized in conjunction with those shown in FIG. 4 so as to implement one or more further exemplary embodiments of the invention.
  • FIG. 4 may be utilized, implemented or practiced in conjunction with one or more further aspects in any combination (e.g., any combination that is suitable, practicable and/or feasible) and are not limited only to the steps, blocks, operations and/or functions shown in FIG. 4.
  • connection or coupling any use of the terms "connected,” “coupled” or variants thereof should be interpreted to indicate any such connection or coupling, direct or indirect, between the identified elements.
  • one or more intermediate elements may be present between the “coupled” elements.
  • the connection or coupling between the identified elements may be, as non-limiting examples, physical, electrical, magnetic, logical or any suitable combination thereof in accordance with the described exemplary embodiments.
  • the connection or coupling may comprise one or more printed electrical connections, wires, cables, mediums or any suitable combination thereof.
  • bandwidth should be understood to correspond to a frequency range, a range of frequencies and/or a number of assigned frequencies.
  • a particular bandwidth corresponds to a contiguous block of time-frequency resources that spans multiple frequencies (i.e., a plurality of frequencies).
  • the usage of the term "bandwidth" is in accordance with the customary meaning of the term as attributable by one or ordinary skill in the art.
  • various exemplary embodiments of the invention can be implemented in different mediums, such as software, hardware, logic, special purpose circuits or any combination thereof.
  • some aspects may be implemented in software which may be run on a computing device, while other aspects may be implemented in hardware.

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Abstract

In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method comprising: providing a resource space comprised of a plurality of time-frequency resources for use in conjunction with wireless communications, where the resource space comprises a first region and a second region, where the first region has a narrower bandwidth than the second region, where the second region comprises the first region; allocating at least one first resource of the first region for a first apparatus, where the first apparatus communicates in accordance with a first communication mode, where a portion of the first region comprises a first enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the first communication mode, where the first enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises at least one first sub-region; and allocating at least one second resource of the second region for a second apparatus, where the second apparatus communicates in accordance with a second communication mode that is different from the first communication mode, where a portion of the second region comprises a second enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the second communication mode, where the second enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises at least one second sub-region, where all of the sub-regions are indexed in ascending order such that the at least one first sub-region is indexed before the at least one second sub-region.

Description

RESOURCE ALLOCATIONS SUPPORTING DIFFERENT BAND WIDTHS FOR MACHINE-TYPE COMMUNICATION
TECHNICAL FIELD:
The exemplary and non-limiting embodiments of this invention relate generally to wireless communication systems, methods, devices and computer programs and, more specifically, relate to resource allocations for machine-type communications and devices.
BACKGROUND: This section endeavors to supply a context or background for the various exemplary embodiments of the invention as recited in the claims. The content herein may comprise subject matter that could be utilized, but not necessarily matter that has been previously utilized, described or considered. Unless indicated otherwise, the content described herein is not considered prior art, and should not be considered as admitted prior art by inclusion in this section.
The following abbreviations are utilized herein:
3G third generation of GSM-based mobile networks
3 GPP third generation partnership project
CA carrier aggregation
CC component carrier
CCE control channel element
CDMA code division multiple access
CRS common reference signal
DCI downlink control information
DIPS DCF interframe space
DL downlink (Node B to UE)
eNB E-UTRAN Node B (evolved Node B) E-PDCCH enhanced physical downlink control channel
E-UTRAN evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (LTE)
GPRS general packet radio services
GSM global system for mobile communication
IEEE institute of electrical and electronics engineers
IT information technology
LTE long term evolution of UTRAN (E-UTRAN)
LTE-A LTE advanced
M2M machine-to-machine
MTC machine-type communication(s)
Node B base station
PCC primary component carrier
PCFICH physical control format indicator channel
PDCCH physical downlink control channel
PDSCH physical downlink shared channel
PHICH physical hybrid- automatic repeat-request (ARQ) indicator channel
PRB physical resource block
RAN radio access network
RAT radio access technology
REG resource-element group
Rel release
RF radio frequency
RRC radio resource control
sec secondary component carrier
SIM subscriber identity module
UE user equipment, such as a mobile station, mobile node or mobile terminal
UTRAN universal terrestrial radio access network
Wi-Fi WLAN based on the IEEE 802.11 standard
WiMAX worldwide interoperability for microwave access (IEEE 802.16 standard)
WLAN wireless local area network MTC, also termed M2M communications, is the networking of intelligent, communications-enabled remote assets which allows for the automatic exchange of information without human intervention. M2M covers a broad range of technologies and applications which connect the physical world - whether machines or monitored physical conditions - to a back-end IT infrastructure. MTC/M2M systems are already in place and new systems are being standardized which are anticipated to greatly expand how prevalent MTC will become, the future target being the Internet of Things (IoT). M2M communications are made possible by the use of elements such as intelligent sensors, actuators and/or microprocessors that are embedded in a remote asset. Sensors and actuators may be connected to a wireless modem, possibly different from those in conventional mobile phones. Such a wireless modem is configured to wirelessly receive data from a central server and to transmit data to the central server where it can be analyzed and acted upon.
Wireless communications technologies used to enable this connectivity include GSM, GPRS, CDMA, 3G, LTE, Wi-Fi and WiMAX, as non-limiting examples. M2M communications can be conducted over a relatively short range or a distance of many miles, as non-limiting examples. Since M2M communications vary widely in both the types of data reported and the RATs used, the traffic models are quite diverse and no single networking model will be efficient for all of them. For example, if M2M is applied to monitor natural disasters, a huge number of M2M devices may initiate services simultaneously, with each reporting a small amount of data to the application layer when triggered by an appropriate event. This is classified as an infrequent small data transmission.
As LTE deployments evolve, operators would like to reduce the cost of overall network maintenance by minimizing the number of RATs. MTC is a market that is likely to continue expanding in the future. Many MTC devices are targeting low-end (low cost, low data rate) applications that can be handled adequately by GSM/GPRS. Owing to the low cost of these devices and good coverage of GSM/GPRS, there is very little motivation for MTC device suppliers to use modules supporting the LTE radio interface. As more and more MTC devices are deployed in the field, this naturally increases the reliance on GSM/GPRS networks. This will cost operators not only in terms of maintaining multiple RATs, but it will also prevent operators from reaping the maximum benefit out of their spectrum (given the non-optimal spectrum efficiency of GSM/GPRS). Given the likely high number of MTC devices, the overall quantity of resources they will need for service provision may be correspondingly significant and inefficiently assigned.
BRIEF SUMMARY:
In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method comprising: providing a resource space comprised of a plurality of time-frequency resources for use in conjunction with wireless communications, where the resource space comprises a first region and a second region, where the first region has a narrower bandwidth than the second region, where the second region comprises the first region; allocating at least one first resource of the first region for a first apparatus, where the first apparatus communicates in accordance with a first communication mode, where a portion of the first region comprises a first enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the first communication mode, where the first enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises at least one first sub-region; and allocating at least one second resource of the second region for a second apparatus, where the second apparatus communicates in accordance with a second communication mode that is different from the first communication mode, where a portion of the second region comprises a second enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the second communication mode, where the second enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises at least one second sub-region, where all of the sub-regions are indexed in ascending order such that the at least one first sub-region is indexed before the at least one second sub-region.
In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a computer-readable medium storing program instructions, execution of the program instructions resulting in operations comprising: providing a resource space comprised of a plurality of time-frequency resources for use in conjunction with wireless communications, where the resource space comprises a first region and a second region, where the first region has a narrower bandwidth than the second region, where the second region comprises the first region; allocating at least one first resource of the first region for a first apparatus, where the first apparatus communicates in accordance with a first communication mode, where a portion of the first region comprises a first enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the first communication mode, where the first enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises at least one first sub-region; and allocating at least one second resource of the second region for a second apparatus, where the second apparatus communicates in accordance with a second communication mode that is different from the first communication mode, where a portion of the second region comprises a second enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the second communication mode, where the second enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises at least one second sub-region, where all of the sub-regions are indexed in ascending order such that the at least one first sub-region is indexed before the at least one second sub-region.
In a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, an apparatus comprising: means for providing a resource space comprised of a plurality of time- frequency resources for use in conjunction with wireless communications, where the resource space comprises a first region and a second region, where the first region has a narrower bandwidth than the second region, where the second region comprises the first region; means for allocating at least one first resource of the first region for a first apparatus, where the first apparatus communicates in accordance with a first communication mode, where a portion of the first region comprises a first enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the first communication mode, where the first enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises at least one first sub-region; and means for allocating at least one second resource of the second region for a second apparatus, where the second apparatus communicates in accordance with a second communication mode that is different from the first communication mode, where a portion of the second region comprises a second enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the second communication mode, where the second enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises at least one second sub-region, where all of the sub-regions are indexed in ascending order such that the at least one first sub-region is indexed before the at least one second sub-region.
In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing a computer program, in which the at least one memory with the computer program is configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least perform: provide a resource space comprised of a plurality of time-frequency resources for use in conjunction with wireless communications, where the resource space comprises a first region and a second region, where the first region has a narrower bandwidth than the second region, where the second region comprises the first region; allocate at least one first resource of the first region for a first apparatus, where the first apparatus communicates in accordance with a first communication mode, where a portion of the first region comprises a first enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the first communication mode, where the first enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises at least one first sub-region; and allocate at least one second resource of the second region for a second apparatus, where the second apparatus communicates in accordance with a second communication mode that is different from the first communication mode, where a portion of the second region comprises a second enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the second communication mode, where the second enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises at least one second sub-region, where all of the sub-regions are indexed in ascending order such that the at least one first sub-region is indexed before the at least one second sub-region.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS:
The foregoing and other aspects of embodiments of this invention are made more evident in the following Detailed Description, when read in conjunction with the attached Drawing Figures, wherein: FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified block diagram of various exemplary electronic devices that are suitable for use in practicing the exemplary embodiments of this invention;
FIG. 2 shows a first exemplary implementation in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the invention;
FIG. 3 illustrates a second exemplary implementation in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the invention; and FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart illustrating one non-limiting example of a method for practicing the exemplary embodiments of this invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION:
Therefore, it is desirable to find solutions to ensure that there is a clear business benefit to MTC device vendors and operators for migrating low-end MTC devices from GSM/GPRS to LTE networks. In RP-111112, it is suggested that solutions using, or evolved from, LTE RAN specifications up to and including Rel-10 shall be investigated and evaluated to clearly understand the feasibility of creating a type of terminal that would permit the cost of terminals tailored for the low-end of the MTC market to be competitive with that of GSM GPRS terminals targeting the same low-end MTC market. This is agreed to be a new study item in 3GPP RANI . RP-111112, "Provision of low-cost MTC UEs based on LTE," Vodafone, September 13-16, 2011.
Narrow bandwidth is considered to be a property for low cost MTC UEs due to low traffic needs. However, one of the potential issues with low cost MTC is the uncertainty of which bandwidth to use. Depending on the various types of services to support, MTC may need to support a bandwidth of 1.4MHz, 3MHz or 5MHz, For example, if the MTC is to co-exist with legacy UEs in a 20MHz LTE system, the MTC UEs may only be able to receive a portion of the LTE bandwidth. Current LTE design assumes the control region spans the entire bandwidth and, thus, this cannot support low cost MTC (e.g., since the low cost MTC may not be able to read and/or use the entire bandwidth since legacy communication modes may use a bandwidth smaller than 20 MHz), The exemplary embodiments of the invention are directed towards the design of efficient control signaling resource allocation to support MTC UEs with different bandwidths (e.g., different from those available via LTE).
In Rl-113560, it is suggested that only 1.4MHz MTC be supported. Thus, a MTC UE would only need to consider this one bandwidth for MTC control design. However, this overly limits the potential MTC service/type and many companies have suggested considering up to 5MHz for MTC (see R 1 -1 12 12). Rl -1 13560, "Possible Approaches and Impacts of Low-Cost MTC UEs based on LTE," HTC, October 10-14, 2011. Rl-112912, "Overview on low-cost MTC UEs based on LTE," Huawei, HiSilicon, CMCC, October 10-14, 2011.
One straightforward approach to handle this issue is to only consider the PDCCH or E-PDCCH for all UEs only in the minimum bandwidth. For example, in a 20MHz system all UEs, including legacy Rel 8-Rel 10 UEs and low cost MTC UEs, are configured to use only the 1.4MHz control region for PDCCH or E-PDCCH. While this is a simple solution, it implies that the control capacity is very limited and it would be difficult to perform efficient scheduling of all UEs. For example, there are around 6 CCEs with a 1.4MHz bandwidth and this is hardly enough for common control signaling. It is known that the scarcity of control region severely impacts system performance. As such, this solution would degrade system performance.
Generally speaking, the exemplary embodiments of the invention are directed toward adapting conventional cellular network protocols, which were originally developed for human-oriented communications with a large system bandwidth, to more efficiently support MTC communications which might only utilize a small bandwidth. While the various examples are explained with respect to MTC in the LTE/LTE-A systems, these exemplary teachings are adaptable to non-MTC as well as to other RATs beyond LTE and/or LTE- A.
FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified block diagram of various exemplary electronic devices that are suitable for use in practicing the exemplary embodiments of this invention. In FIG. 1 , a wireless radio access network 26 is adapted for communication over a wireless link 21 with an apparatus, such as a MTC device 20 (termed above more generally as a radio device and which may be implemented as a mobile terminal, mobile phone, UE or other portable electronic device) via a network access node, such as a base or relay station or, more specifically, an eNB 22. The radio access network 26 may include a network control element embodied as a mobility management entity/serving gateway (MME/SGW) 23, which provides connectivity with further networks (e.g., a publicly switched telephone network (PSTN), a data communications network, and/or the Internet) as well as other network elements. Also shown in FIG. 1 is a core network (CN) server 24 which is connected to the eNB 22 via the MME/SGW 23. As non-limiting examples, the MTC device 20 may be any host device of a MTC-specific SIM card, an ordinary SIM card, or even a radio device lacking a SIM card.
The MTC radio device 20 includes processing means (such as at least one processor and/or at least one data processor (DP) 20A), storage means (such as at least one computer-readable memory (MEM) 20B which may be non-transitory and/or fixed in nature) storing at least one computer program (PROG) 20C (e.g., executable by the MTC device 20 which causes the MTC device 20 to perform actions as described herein), and communication means (such as at least one transmitter (TX) 20D and/or at least one receiver (RX) 20E for/enabling/operable for bidirectional wireless communications with the eNB 22 via one or more antennas 20F). A SIM card is not specifically shown but, if present for implementing certain exemplary embodiments of these teachings in a MTC radio device 20, the SIM card may include at least one processor and/or at least one memory storing at least one computer program which, when executed by the one or more processors, operates in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the invention as described herein.
The eNB 22 includes processing means (such as at least one processor and/or at least one data processor (DP) 22A), storage means (such as at least one computer-readable memory (MEM) 22B which may be non-transitory and/or fixed in nature) storing at least one computer program (PROG) 22C (e.g., executable by the eNB 22 which causes the eNB 22 to perform actions as described herein), and communication means (such as at least one transmitter (TX) 22D and/or at least one receiver (RX) 22E for/enabling/operable for bidirectional wireless communications with the MTC device 20 via one or more antennas 22F). There is a data and/or control path 25 coupling the eNB 22 with the MME/SGW 23, and another data and/or control path 23 coupling the eNB 22 to other eNBs/access nodes.
The CN server 24 includes processing means (such as at least one processor and/or at least one data processor (DP) 24A), storage means (such as at least one computer-readable memory (MEM) 24B which may be non-transitory and/or fixed in nature) storing at least one computer program (PROG) 24C of executable instructions, and communication means (such as a modem 24H for bidirectional communications with the eNB 22 via the MEME/S-GW 23 and its data/control path 25). While not particularly illustrated for the MTC device 20 or eNB 22, those devices are also assumed to include as part of their wireless communicating means a modem which may be inbuilt on an RF front end chip within those devices 20, 22 and which may also carry the TX 20D/22D and/or the RX 20E/22E.
At least one of the PROGs 20 C in the MTC radio device 20 is assumed to include a set of program instructions that, when executed by the associated DP 20A, enable the device to operate in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of this invention, as described herein. The eNB 22 and CN server 24 may also have software (e.g., at least one program of computer instructions) configured to implement various aspects of the exemplary embodiments of the invention as described herein. In these regards, the exemplary embodiments of this invention may be implemented at least in part by computer software stored on one or more of the MEMs 20B, 22B which is executable by the associated DP 20A of the MTC radio device 20 and/or by the DP 22 A of the eNB 22 and/or by the DP 24A of the CN server 24, or by hardware, or by a combination of tangibly stored software and/or hardware (e.g., and/or tangibly stored firmware). Electronic devices implementing the exemplary embodiments of the invention need not be the entire MTC radio device 20, eNB 22 or CN server 24. Exemplary embodiments of the invention may be implemented by one or more components of these devices, such as one or more of: the above-described tangibly stored software, hardware, firmware and DP, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and/or a system on a chip (SOC) (e.g., which for the MTC radio device 20 may be a MTC-specific SIM card and/or a modem, as non-limiting examples).
In general, the various exemplary embodiments of the MTC device 20 can include, but are not limited to, portable or fixed sensing devices having wireless communication capabilities, and also personal/user operated portable digital devices having wireless communication capabilities including, but not limited to, portable devices, mobile phones, cellular phones, navigation devices, laptop/palmtop/tablet computers, digital cameras, music devices and Internet appliances.
Various exemplary embodiments of the computer readable MEMs 20B, 22B and 24B may include any data storage technology type which is suitable to the local technical environment, including, but not limited to, semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, removable memory, disc memory, flash memory, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), and/or erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM). Various exemplary embodiments of the DPs 20A, 22A and 24A may include, but are not limited to, general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs) and multi-core processors.
The exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below in terms of two exemplary techniques, labeled first and second. It should be noted that these exemplary techniques are not exclusive (e.g., they may be used in concert with one another) nor are they exhaustive (e.g., the exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited solely to these two exemplary techniques).
FIRST EXEMPLARY TECHNIQUE
New and/or different CCE indexing can be used to achieve compatibility for UEs with different bandwidth(s). CCE formation (e.g., consists of certain REGs) will be done separately in different bandwidth regions. Some across-bandwidth CCE(s) may be defined for larger bandwidth(s) provided there is a common understanding on CCE formation between the UEs and the eNB(s).
The E-PDCCH region(s) for different bandwidth UEs is/are defined differently, and the regions can overlap. The E-PDCCH region for smallest bandwidth UEs can include one or more sub-regions, each of which is comprised of certain CCEs within this bandwidth (i.e., the smallest bandwidth). Different sub-regions are defined from non- overlapping CCEs (i.e., the sub-regions do not overlap and, thus, are distinct). As a non-limiting example, sub-regions within one bandwidth may be indexed in incremental order. The E-PDCCH region for a larger bandwidth UEs may include part or all of the smaller bandwidth sub-regions, and further may include additional (e.g., new) sub-regions which lie outside of the smaller bandwidth's sub-regions. As a non-limiting example, the new/additional sub-regions may be indexed in incremental order after the old sub-regions (i.e., those for the smaller/smallest bandwidth). For example, E-PDCCH in the central 6 PRBs may be termed the first sub-region, and E-PDCCH in the PRBs outside of the central 6 PRBs but within 15 PRBs are deemed the second sub-region. Thus, a 3 MHz UE's E-PDCCH region consists of the first and second sub-regions. In some exemplary embodiments, the CCE indexing for these sub-regions follows the above-mentioned rules, for example, with all CCEs in the first sub-region being indexed first, followed by all CCEs in the second sub-region, and so on, until all of the sub-regions throughout the (maximum) bandwidth have been indexed. UEs with different bandwidth(s) only need search the control sub-regions within its supporting bandwidth. UEs supports larger bandwidth can access the control sub-regions of lower bandwidth(s), but lower bandwidth UEs cannot access control sub-region(s) of the larger bandwidth(s). The proposed unified CCE indexing across the multiple sub-regions helps the eNB maintain only one CCE indexing mapping across the entire bandwidth for different bandwidth capable UEs.
An exemplary implementation for the first exemplary technique is illustrated in FIG. 2. As shown, the normal PDCCH is unchanged to support the normal legacy UEs. Next to the normal PDCCH region, a new MTC PDCCH portion is defined. Inside this MTC PDCCH portion, the CCE index order is rearranged so that it will cover the smallest bandwidth first, then go through the next larger region of bandwidth, and so on until the maximum bandwidth to cover all CCEs indexed. As shown in the example, the 1.4MHz MTC UEs can access 5 CCEs, while 3MHz MTC UEs can access 10 CCEs, and 5 MHz MTC UEs can access 16 CCEs. As shown, the Rel-8 control search space and blind detection design could be reused for MTCs with a smaller bandwidth. The change in mapping order is only a minor change for implementation. In some exemplary embodiments, for the case where no 5 MHz MTC UEs are present in the system, the CCE resources indexed 11-16 instead can be used for the PDSCH, which brings added flexibility to the system. Another advantage for such a design is that MTC with different bandwidth capabilities can share the CCEs amongst themselves.
Below is an example of a procedure to redefine index CCEs in accordance with the first exemplary technique.
1. The number of REGs not assigned to PCFICH or PHICH within the 1.4 MHz band is deemed region 1 , N^c B\■ Tne CCEs available in the 1.4 MHz band are sub-regions numbered from 0 to NCCE_BL - 1 , where NCCE_BL = [NREO_B\ I 9 J.
2. The number of REGs not assigned to PCFICH or PHICH within the 3 MHz band and not within the 1.4 MHz band is deemed region 2, N^a temp β2 · These REGs consist of CCEs in sub-regions numbered from NCCE Bl to NCCE S2 - l , where
3. The number of REGs not assigned to PCFICH or PHICH within the 5 MHz band and not within the 3 MHz band is deemed region 3, NREG_lemp_B3 . These REGs consist of CCEs in sub-re ions numbered from NCCE_B2 to NCCE_Bi - l } where N CCE _ B1 ~ N CCE _S2 —
Figure imgf000015_0001
} '
The control region for 1.4 MHz MTC UEs consists of sub-regions of CCEs numbered from 0 to NCCE B, k - 1 according to the procedure above, where NCCE BU is the total number of CCEs in the control region within 1.4 MHz of subframe k , that is region 1. The control region for 3 MHz MTC UEs consists of sub-regions of CCEs numbered from 0 to NCCE B2 k - 1 according to the procedure above, where NCCE_B2 ,* is the total number of CCEs in the control region within 3 MHz of subframe k , that is regions 1 and 2. The control region for 5 MHz MTC UEs consists of sub-regions of CCEs numbered from 0 to NCCE B3 k - 1 according to the procedure above, where NCCE B3 k is the total number of CCEs in the control region within 5 MHz of subframe k , that is regions 1 , 2 and 3.
The CCEs corresponding to PDCCH candidate m of the search space Sk lL) for 1.4 MHz MTCs are given by L■ ^Yk + m) mod [NCC£ Bl k I Z,J}+ i . The CCEs corresponding to PDCCH candidate m of the search space S[L for 3 MHz MTCs are given by L■ {(YK + m) mod [NCCE B2IK / Z, J+ / . The CCEs corresponding to PDCCH candidate m of the search space Sk {L for 5 MHz MTCs are given by L - {(Yk + m) mod | NCCE _ B2ik I L§+ i .
It should be noted that the definition of what constitutes an individual sub-region is flexible. Notwithstanding this flexibility, it should be appreciated that the basis is to have a plurality of "numbered" (indexed) groups of resources (PDCCH and/or E-PDCCH) across at least two different overlapping bandwidths (e.g., 1.4 MHz, 3 MHz, 5 MHz) for at least two different UEs that are assigned to the at least two different bandwidths.
SECOND EXEMPLARY TECHNIQUE
A separate and non-overlapping E-PDCCH region may be used for UEs (e.g., MTC devices) with different bandwidth(s). The different, non-overlapped E-PDCCH region is configured specifically for UEs with a different bandwidth capability. The CCE indexing in this region is predefined separately. Thus, UEs configured for one bandwidth only need to be aware of one E-PDCCH configuration. The collision of one band UEs1 PDSCH with another band UEs' E-PDCCH is avoided via scheduling. An exemplary implementation for the second exemplary technique is illustrated in FIG. 3. The normal PDCCH is unchanged. MTC UEs are configured to read control information from an E-PDCCH. As shown, the E-PDCCH locations for different MTC UEs (e.g., UE1 and UE2) are the few subcarriers/PRBs at the different bandwidth edges, respectively. For band A, since the bandwidth is too small the E-PDCCH is located on one side of the band edge. For band B, the E-PDCCH is located at both sides of the band to maximize frequency diversity. The larger bandwidth MTC (band B UEs such as UE2) may also access the E-PDCCH inside band A, but band A capable MTC UEs (e.g., UE1) cannot access band B's E-PDCCH. Band C corresponds to the entire available bandwidth (e.g., which may be available for newer UEs, normal UEs, non-machine type communication modes).
FURTHER EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
In some exemplary embodiments, the PDCCH block interleaver may be disabled, or it may be activated across sub -regions which are accessible by only one bandwidth UE. In other exemplary embodiments, the precise E-PDCCH resource allocation(s) and indication(s) used may be of any type and/or location suitable to the technical environment.
Provided are non-limiting examples of various advantages afforded by the practice of the exemplary embodiments of the invention as described herein. MTC UEs with different bandwidth(s) can access a control region within its bandwidth capability.
Different bandwidth MTC UEs and normal UEs can share control regions among them efficiently. For the first technique, the E-PDCCH can be used to support different bandwidth MTC UEs and normal UEs with a relatively simple implementation. For the second technique, the E-PDCCH resources can be more efficiently shared among different bandwidth MTC UEs and normal UEs with relatively minor changes to CCE indexing mapping.
Below are further descriptions of various non-limiting, exemplary embodiments of the invention. The below-described exemplary embodiments are numbered separately for clarity purposes. This numbering should not be construed as entirely separating the various exemplary embodiments since aspects of one or more exemplary embodiments may be practiced in conjunction with one or more other aspects or exemplary embodiments.
(1) In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, and as shown in FIG. 4, a method comprising: providing (e.g., by an apparatus, by at least one apparatus) a resource space comprised of a plurality of time-frequency resources for use in conjunction with wireless communications, where the resource space comprises a first region and a second region, where the first region has a narrower bandwidth than the second region, where the second region comprises the first region (401); allocating (e.g., by an apparatus, by at least one apparatus, by the apparatus, by the at least one apparatus) at least one first resource of the first region for a first apparatus, where the first apparatus communicates in accordance with a first communication mode, where a portion of the first region comprises a first enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the first communication mode, where the first enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises at least one first sub-region (402); and allocating (e.g., by an apparatus, by at least one apparatus, by the apparatus, by the at least one apparatus) at least one second resource of the second region for a second apparatus, where the second apparatus communicates in accordance with a second communication mode that is different from the first communication mode, where a portion of the second region comprises a second enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the second communication mode, where the second enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises at least one second sub-region, where ail of the sub-regions are indexed in ascending order such that the at least one first sub-region is indexed before the at least one second sub-region (403).
A method as above, where the first communication mode comprises a machine-type communication mode. A method as in any above, where the first communication mode comprises a first machine-type communication mode and the second communication mode comprises a second machine-type communication mode. A method as in any above, where the first region comprises a 1.4 MHz machine-type communication search space for a physical downlink control channel in accordance with the first communication mode. A method as in any above, where the second region comprises a 3 MHz machine-type communication search space for a physical downlink control channel in accordance with the second communication mode. A method as in any above, where the second communication mode comprises a 10 MHz bandwidth communication mode or a 20 MHz bandwidth communication mode. A method as in any above, where the first communication mode comprises a machine-type communication mode and the second communication mode does not comprise a machine-type communication mode. A method as in any above, where the first communication mode comprises a machine-type communication mode and the second communication mode comprises a 10 MHz bandwidth communication mode or a 20 MHz bandwidth communication mode. A method as in any above, further comprising: sending (e.g., by an apparatus, by at least one apparatus, by the apparatus, by the at least one apparatus) at least one communication in accordance with the allocated resources of the resource space (404). A method as in any above, where the first communication mode comprises a first evolved universal terrestrial radio access network communication mode and the second communication mode comprises a second evolved universal terrestrial radio access network communication mode.
A method as in any above, where a portion of the first region comprises a first enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the first communication mode, where the first enhanced physical downlink control channel is located in at least one first frequency band along at least one bandwidth edge of the first region. A method as in any above, where a portion of the second region comprises a second enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the second communication mode, where the second enhanced physical downlink control channel is located in at least one second frequency band along at least one bandwidth edge of the second region. A method as in any above, where a portion of the first region comprises a first enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the first communication mode, where the first enhanced physical downlink control channel is located in two first frequency bands along both bandwidth edges of the first region. A method as in any above, where a portion of the second region comprises a second enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the second communication mode, where the second enhanced physical downlink control channel is located in two second frequency bands along both bandwidth edges of the second region. A method as in any above, where a portion of the first region comprises a first enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the first communication mode, where the first enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises a plurality of first sub-regions, where a portion of the second region comprises a second enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the second communication mode, where the second enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises a plurality of second sub-regions, where all of the sub-regions are indexed in ascending order such that the plurality of first sub-regions are indexed before the plurality of second sub-regions.
A method as in any above, where the resource space further comprises a third region, where the second region has a narrower bandwidth than the third region, where the third region comprises the second region, the method further comprising; allocating at least one third resource of the third region for a third apparatus, where the third apparatus communicates in accordance with a third communication mode that is different from the first communication mode and the second communication mode. A method as in any above, where the third region comprises a 5 MHz machine-type communication search space for a physical downlink control channel in accordance with the third communication mode. A method as in any above, where a portion of the third region comprises a third enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the third communication mode, where the third enhanced physical downlink control channel is located in at least one third frequency band along at least one bandwidth edge of the third region. A method as in any above, where a portion of the third region comprises a third enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the third communication mode, where the third enhanced physical downlink control channel is located in two third frequency bands along both bandwidth edges of the third region. A method as in any above, where a portion of the first region comprises a first enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the first communication mode, where the first enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises at least one first sub-region, where a portion of the second region comprises a second enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the second communication mode, where the second enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises at least one second sub-region, where all of the sub-regions are indexed in ascending order such that the at least one first sub-region is indexed before the at least one second sub -region, where a portion of the third region comprises a third enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the third communication mode, where the third enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises at least one third sub-region, where the at least one second sub-region is indexed before the at least one third sub-region.
A method as in any above, where a portion of the first region comprises a first enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the first communication mode, where the first enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises a plurality of first sub-regions, where a portion of the second region comprises a second enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the second communication mode, where the second enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises a plurality of second sub-regions, where all of the sub-regions are indexed in ascending order such that the plurality of first sub-regions are indexed before the plurality of second sub-regions, where a portion of the third region comprises a third enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the third communication mode, where the third enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises a plurality of third sub-regions, where the plurality of second sub-regions are indexed before the plurality of third sub-regions. A method as in any above, where the third communication mode comprises a 10 MHz bandwidth communication mode or a 20 MHz bandwidth communication mode. A method as in any above, where the first communication mode comprises a machine-type communication mode, where the second communication mode comprises a machine-type communication mode, where the third communication mode does not comprise a machine-type communication mode, A method as in any above, where the first communication mode comprises a machine-type communication mode, where the second communication mode comprises a machine-type communication mode, where the third communication mode comprises a 10 MHz bandwidth communication mode or a 20 MHz bandwidth communication mode. A method as in any above, where the third region is a third contiguous block of time-frequency resources. A method as in any above, where the third region comprises an entirety of the second region.
A method as in any above, where the first communication mode comprises an evolved universal terrestrial radio access network communication mode. A method as in any above, where the second communication mode comprises an evolved universal terrestrial radio access network communication mode. A method as in any above, where the second region comprises an entirety of the first region. A method as in any above, where the first region is a first contiguous block of time-frequency resources, where the second region is a second contiguous block of time- frequency resources.
A method as in any above, implemented and/or embodied as a computer program. A method as in any above, implemented as a program of instructions stored (e.g., tangibly embodied) on a program storage device (e.g., at least one memory, at least one computer-readable medium) and executable by a computer (e.g., at least one processor). A computer-readable storage medium tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by a machine for performing operations comprising any of the above-described methods. A method as in any above, further comprising one or more aspects of the exemplary embodiments of the invention as described further herein.
(2) In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a computer-readable medium (e.g., non-transitory) storing program instructions, execution of the program instructions resulting in operations comprising: providing a resource space comprised of a plurality of time-frequency resources for use in conjunction with wireless communications, where the resource space comprises a first region and a second region, where the first region has a narrower bandwidth than the second region, where the second region comprises the first region (401); allocating at least one first resource of the first region for a first apparatus, where the first apparatus communicates in accordance with a first communication mode, where a portion of the first region comprises a first enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the first communication mode, where the first enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises at least one first sub-region (402); and allocating at least one second resource of the second region for a second apparatus, where the second apparatus communicates in accordance with a second communication mode that is different from the first communication mode, where a portion of the second region comprises a second enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the second communication mode, where the second enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises at least one second sub -region, where all of the sub -regions are indexed in ascending order such that the at least one first sub-region is indexed before the at least one second sub -region (403).
A computer-readable medium as above, where the computer-readable medium comprises a memory, a hard drive, a disk drive, or a non-transitory computer-readable medium. A computer readable storage medium as in any above, where the computer readable storage medium comprises a at least one memory or at least one program storage device. A computer readable storage medium as in any above, where the machine comprises a computer or at least one processor configured to execute the program instructions. A computer readable storage medium as in any above, further comprising one or more aspects of the exemplary embodiments of the invention as described herein.
(3) In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, an apparatus comprising: means for providing a resource space comprised of a plurality of time-frequency resources for use in conjunction with wireless communications, where the resource space comprises a first region and a second region, where the first region has a narrower bandwidth than the second region, where the second region comprises the first region; means for allocating at least one first resource of the first region for a first apparatus, where the first apparatus communicates in accordance with a first communication mode, where a portion of the first region comprises a first enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the first communication mode, where the first enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises at least one first sub-region; and means for allocating at least one second resource of the second region for a second apparatus, where the second apparatus communicates in accordance with a second communication mode that is different from the first communication mode, where a portion of the second region comprises a second enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the second communication mode, where the second enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises at least one second sub-region, where all of the sub-regions are indexed in ascending order such that the at least one first sub-region is indexed before the at least one second sub-region. An apparatus as above, further comprising: means for sending (e.g., at least one transmitter, at least one communication component) at least one communication in accordance with the allocated resources of the resource space. An apparatus as in any above, embodied as one or more integrated circuits. An apparatus as in any above, further comprising one or more aspects of the exemplary embodiments of the invention as described herein.
(4) In a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing a computer program, in which the at least one memory with the computer program is configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least perform: provide a resource space comprised of a plurality of time-frequency resources for use in conjunction with wireless communications, where the resource space comprises a first region and a second region, where the first region has a narrower bandwidth than the second region, where the second region comprises the first region; allocate at least one first resource of the first region for a first apparatus, where the first apparatus communicates in accordance with a first communication mode, where a portion of the first region comprises a first enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the first communication mode, where the first enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises at least one first sub-region; and allocate at least one second resource of the second region for a second apparatus, where the second apparatus communicates in accordance with a second communication mode that is different from the first communication mode, where a portion of the second region comprises a second enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the second communication mode, where the second enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises at least one second sub-region, where all of the sub-regions are indexed in ascending order such that the at least one first sub-region is indexed before the at least one second sub-region. An apparatus as in any above, where the at least one memory with the computer program is configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least further perform: send at least one communication in accordance with the allocated resources of the resource space. An apparatus as in any above, embodied as one or more integrated circuits. An apparatus as in any above, further comprising one or more aspects of the exemplary embodiments of the invention as described herein.
(5) In a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, an apparatus comprising: first processing circuitry configured to provide a resource space comprised of a plurality of time-frequency resources for use in conjunction with wireless communications, where the resource space comprises a first region and a second region, where the first region has a narrower bandwidth than the second region, where the second region comprises the first region; first allocation circuitry configured to allocate at least one first resource of the first region for a first apparatus, where the first apparatus communicates in accordance with a first communication mode, where a portion of the first region comprises a first enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the first communication mode, where the first enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises at least one first sub-region; and second allocation circuitry configured to allocate at least one second resource of the second region for a second apparatus, where the second apparatus communicates in accordance with a second communication mode that is different from the first communication mode, where a portion of the second region comprises a second enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the second communication mode, where the second enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises at least one second sub-region, where all of the sub-regions are indexed in ascending order such that the at least one first sub-region is indexed before the at least one second sub-region.
An apparatus as in any above, where the first allocation circuitry comprises the second allocation circuitry. An apparatus as in any above, further comprising: transmission circuitry configured to send at least one communication in accordance with the allocated resources of the resource space. An apparatus as in any above, further comprising one or more aspects of the exemplary embodiments of the invention as described herein,
The exemplary embodiments of the invention, as discussed herein and as particularly described with respect to exemplary methods, maybe implemented in conjunction with a program storage device (e.g., at least one memory, at least one computer-readable medium, at least one non-transitory computer readable medium) readable by a machine (e.g., a processor, at least one processor, a data processor, at least one data processor), tangibly embodying a program of instructions (e.g., program, computer program) executable by the machine for performing operations. The operations comprise steps of utilizing the exemplary embodiments of the invention and/or steps of a method.
The blocks shown in FIG, 4 further may be considered to correspond to one or more functions and/or operations that are performed by one or more components, circuits, chips, apparatus, processors, computer programs and/or function blocks. Any and/or all of the above may be implemented in any practicable solution or arrangement that enables operation in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the invention as described herein.
In addition, the arrangement of the blocks depicted in FIG. 4 should be considered merely exemplary and non-limiting. It should be appreciated that the blocks shown in FIG. 4 may correspond to one or more functions and/or operations that may be performed in any order (e.g., any suitable, practicable and/or feasible order) and/or concurrently (e.g., as suitable, practicable and/or feasible) so as to implement one or more of the exemplary embodiments of the invention. In addition, one or more additional functions, operations and/or steps may be utilized in conjunction with those shown in FIG. 4 so as to implement one or more further exemplary embodiments of the invention.
That is, the exemplary embodiments of the invention shown in FIG. 4 may be utilized, implemented or practiced in conjunction with one or more further aspects in any combination (e.g., any combination that is suitable, practicable and/or feasible) and are not limited only to the steps, blocks, operations and/or functions shown in FIG. 4.
Any use of the terms "connected," "coupled" or variants thereof should be interpreted to indicate any such connection or coupling, direct or indirect, between the identified elements. As a non-limiting example, one or more intermediate elements may be present between the "coupled" elements. The connection or coupling between the identified elements may be, as non-limiting examples, physical, electrical, magnetic, logical or any suitable combination thereof in accordance with the described exemplary embodiments. As non-limiting examples, the connection or coupling may comprise one or more printed electrical connections, wires, cables, mediums or any suitable combination thereof.
As utilized herein, the term "bandwidth" should be understood to correspond to a frequency range, a range of frequencies and/or a number of assigned frequencies. In at least some exemplary embodiments, a particular bandwidth corresponds to a contiguous block of time-frequency resources that spans multiple frequencies (i.e., a plurality of frequencies). The usage of the term "bandwidth" is in accordance with the customary meaning of the term as attributable by one or ordinary skill in the art.
Generally, various exemplary embodiments of the invention can be implemented in different mediums, such as software, hardware, logic, special purpose circuits or any combination thereof. As a non-limiting example, some aspects may be implemented in software which may be run on a computing device, while other aspects may be implemented in hardware.
The foregoing description has provided by way of exemplary and non-limiting examples a full and informative description of the best method and apparatus presently contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the invention. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. However, all such and similar modifications will still fall within the scope of the teachings of the exemplary embodiments of the invention.
Furthermore, some of the features of the preferred embodiments of this invention could be used to advantage without the corresponding use of other features. As such, the foregoing description should be considered as merely illustrative of the principles of the invention, and not in limitation thereof.

Claims

What is Claimed is: 1. A method comprising:
providing a resource space comprised of a plurality of time-frequency resources for use in conjunction with wireless communications, where the resource space comprises a first region and a second region, where the first region has a narrower bandwidth than the second region, where the second region comprises the first region; allocating at least one first resource of the first region for a first apparatus, where the first apparatus communicates in accordance with a first communication mode, where a portion of the first region comprises a first enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the first communication mode, where the first enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises at least one first sub-region; and
allocating at least one second resource of the second region for a second apparatus, where the second apparatus communicates in accordance with a second communication mode that is different from the first communication mode, where a portion of the second region comprises a second enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the second communication mode, where the second enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises at least one second sub-region, where all of the sub-regions are indexed in ascending order such that the at least one first sub-region is indexed before the at least one second sub-region.
2. The method of claim 1, where the first communication mode comprises a machine-type communication mode.
3. The method of claim 1, where the first communication mode comprises a first machine-type communication mode and the second communication mode comprises a second machine-type communication mode.
4. The method as in any one of claims 1-3, where the first region comprises a 1.4 MHz machine-type communication search space for a physical downlink control channel in accordance with the first communication mode.
5. The method as in any one of claims 1 -4, where the second region comprises a 3 MHz machine-type communication search space for a physical downlink control channel in accordance with the second communication mode.
6. The method as in any one of claims 1 -4, where the second communication mode comprises a 10 MHz bandwidth communication mode or a 20 MHz bandwidth communication mode.
7. The method as in any one of claims 1 , 2, 4 or 6, where the first communication mode comprises a machine-type communication mode and the second communication mode does not comprise a machine-type communication mode.
8. The method as in any one of claims 1-7, where the resource space further comprises a third region, where the second region has a narrower bandwidth than the third region, where the third region comprises the second region, the method further comprising: allocating at least one third resource of the third region for a third apparatus, where the third apparatus communicates in accordance with a third communication mode that is different from the first communication mode and the second communication mode.
9. The method as in any one of claims 1 -8, further comprising: sending at least one communication in accordance with the allocated resources of the resource space.
10. The method as in any one of claims 1-9, where the first communication mode comprises a first evolved universal terrestrial radio access network communication mode and the second communication mode comprises a second evolved universal terrestrial radio access network communication mode.
11. A computer-readable medium storing program instructions, execution of the program instructions resulting in operations comprising:
providing a resource space comprised of a plurality of time-frequency resources for use in conjunction with wireless communications, where the resource space comprises a first region and a second region, where the first region has a narrower bandwidth than the second region, where the second region comprises the first region; allocating at least one first resource of the first region for a first apparatus, where the first apparatus communicates in accordance with a first communication mode, where a portion of the first region comprises a first enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the first communication mode, where the first enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises at least one first sub-region; and
allocating at least one second resource of the second region for a second apparatus, where the second apparatus communicates in accordance with a second communication mode that is different from the first communication mode, where a portion of the second region comprises a second enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the second communication mode, where the second enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises at least one second sub-region, where all of the sub-regions are indexed in ascending order such that the at least one first sub-region is indexed before the at least one second sub-region.
12. The computer-readable medium of claim 11, where the first communication mode comprises a machine- type communication mode.
13. The computer-readable medium of claim 1 1, where the first communication mode comprises a first machine-type communication mode and the second communication mode comprises a second machine-type communication mode.
14. The computer-readable medium as in any one of claims 11-13, where the first region comprises a 1.4 MHz machine- type communication search space for a physical downlink control channel in accordance with the first communication mode.
15. The computer-readable medium as in any one of claims 11-14, where the second region comprises a 3 MHz machine-type communication search space for a physical downlink control channel in accordance with the second communication mode.
16. The computer-readable medium as in any one o f cl aims 11 - 14, where the second communication mode comprises a 10 MHz bandwidth communication mode or a 20 MHz bandwidth communication mode.
17. The computer-readable medium as in any one of claims 11 , 12, 14 or 16, where the first communication mode comprises a machine-type communication mode and the second communication mode does not comprise a machine-type communication mode.
18, The computer-readable medium as in any one of claims 11-17, where the resource space further comprises a third region, where the second region has a narrower bandwidth than the third region, where the third region comprises the second region, the method further comprising: allocating at least one third resource of the third region for a third apparatus, where the third apparatus communicates in accordance with a third communication mode that is different from the first communication mode and the second communication mode.
19. The computer-readable medium as in any one of claims 11-18, execution of the program instructions resulting in operations further comprising: sending at least one communication in accordance with the allocated resources of the resource space.
20. The computer-readable medium as in any one of claims 11-19, where the first communication mode comprises a first evolved universal terrestrial radio access network communication mode and the second communication mode comprises a second evolved universal terrestrial radio access network communication mode.
21. An apparatus comprising:
at least one processor; and
at least one memory storing a computer program, in which the at least one memory with the computer program is configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least perform:
provide a resource space comprised of a plurality of time-frequency resources for use in conjunction with wireless communications, where the resource space comprises a first region and a second region, where the first region has a narrower bandwidth than the second region, where the second region comprises the first region; allocate at least one first resource of the first region for a first apparatus, where the first apparatus communicates in accordance with a first communication mode, where a portion of the first region comprises a first enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the first communication mode, where the first enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises at least one first sub-region; and
allocate at least one second resource of the second region for a second apparatus, where the second apparatus communicates in accordance with a second communication mode that is different from the first communication mode, where a portion of the second region comprises a second enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the second communication mode, where the second enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises at least one second sub-region, where all of the sub-regions are indexed in ascending order such that the at least one first sub-region is indexed before the at least one second sub-region.
22. The apparatus of claim 21, where the first communication mode comprises a machine-type communication mode.
23. The apparatus of claim 21, where the first communication mode comprises a first machine-type communication mode and the second communication mode comprises a second machine-type communication mode.
24. The apparatus as in any one of claims 21-23, where the first region comprises a 1.4 MHz machine-type communication search space for a physical downlink control channel in accordance with the first communication mode.
25. The apparatus as in any one of claims 21-24, where the second region comprises a 3 MHz machine-type communication search space for a physical downlink control channel in accordance with the second communication mode.
26. The apparatus as in any one of claims 21-24, where the second communication mode comprises a 10 MHz bandwidth communication mode or a 20 MHz bandwidth communication mode.
27. The apparatus as in any one of claims 21, 22, 24 or 26, where the first communication mode comprises a machine-type communication mode and the second communication mode does not comprise a machine-type communication mode.
28. The apparatus as in any one of claims 21-27, where the resource space further comprises a third region, where the second region has a narrower bandwidth than the third region, where the third region comprises the second region, the method further comprising: allocating at least one third resource of the third region for a third apparatus, where the third apparatus communicates in accordance with a third communication mode that is different from the first communication mode and the second communication mode.
29. The apparatus as in any one of claims 21-28, further comprising: sending at least one communication in accordance with the allocated resources of the resource space.
30. The apparatus as in any one of claims 21-29, where the first communication mode comprises a first evolved universal terrestrial radio access network communication mode and the second communication mode comprises a second evolved universal terrestrial radio access network communication mode.
31. An apparatus comprising:
means for providing a resource space comprised of a plurality of time- frequency resources for use in conjunction with wireless communications, where the resource space comprises a first region and a second region, where the first region has a narrower bandwidth than the second region, where the second region comprises the first region; means for allocating at least one first resource of the first region for a first apparatus, where the first apparatus communicates in accordance with a first communication mode, where a portion of the first region comprises a first enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the first communication mode, where the first enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises at least one first sub-region; and
means for allocating at least one second resource of the second region for a second apparatus, where the second apparatus communicates in accordance with a second communication mode that is different from the first communication mode, where a portion of the second region comprises a second enhanced physical downlink control channel in accordance with the second communication mode, where the second enhanced physical downlink control channel comprises at least one second sub-region, where all of the sub-regions are indexed in ascending order such that the at least one first sub-region is indexed before the at least one second sub-region.
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