Abstract: A method and apparatus for paging terminals such as Low Cost User Equipment (UEs) in a wireless communication system such as the Long Term Evolution (LTE) system. Terminals determine their signal quality level and, based on the signal quality, determine a number of repetitions of a message to use for decoding of the message. The message corresponds to part of a procedure for paging the terminal. The terminal receives and combines the determined number of repetitions of the message in order to decode the message.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for supporting sub-channel physical resource block uplink transmission in a wireless communication system are provided. In accordance with aspects, there is provided a method for performing sub-channel physical resource block (PRB) uplink transmission by a user equipment (UE) of a wireless communication network. The method includes generating plural sub-PRB transmissions for provision of a RACH procedure message 3 (msg3) and transmitting the plural sub-PRB transmissions. In accordance with aspects, there is provided a method in a base station of a wireless communication network, for supporting sub-channel PRB uplink transmission by a UE. The method includes receiving plural sub-PRB transmissions and combining the plural sub-PRB transmissions to determine RACH procedure msg3.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for transmitting LTE control information for Category M User Equipment (UE). According to embodiments, there is provided a method and system for LTE downlink control information for HD-FDD UE using multiple HARQ processes in a low Signal to Interference and Noise Ratio (SINR).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for indicating a system information block change in a wireless communication network is provided. According to the instant application, a single bit within the MIB is assigned as a change indicator, for example a SIB change indicator bit. As such upon the receipt of the MIB by the UE, evaluation of the change indicator within the MIB can enable the UE to determine if the SIB1 or SIB1-BR has changed.

Abstract: A method and system for facilitating operational adjustment of a User Equipment (UE) to a Long Term Evolution (LTE) cell serviced by an evolved NodeB (eNB). The eNB transmits a burst of multiple signals, each indicative of a Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS), and transmitted within a predetermined time frame. The UE, receives at least one signal of the burst, decodes the PSS based on the received at least one signal, and performs the operational adjustment based on the decoded PSS. The operational adjustment can include performing synchronization of the UE to the LTE cell and/or acquiring symbol timing of the LTE cell.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for using enhanced PSS (ePSS) transmitted from a base station, for example an eNB, for use by UEs for resynchronization of the UE with the base station is disclosed. According to some embodiments, when resynchronization using the ePSS fails on the first attempt, the UE non-coherently or coherently combines the ePSS with the legacy PSS/SSS in order to resynchronize the UE with the base station. According to some embodiments, when resynchronization using the ePSS fails on the first attempt, the UE non-coherently or coherently combines the ePSS reception results with the legacy PSS/SSS reception results in order to resynchronize the UE with the base station.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating system information and random access in a wireless communication system in an LTE system is provided. In some embodiments, a system information block (SIB) is transmitted in a configuration that is receivable by a limited-capability UE. The SIB may indicate a schedule of additional SIBs transmitted in the same configuration. The schedule may also be transmitted in another manner which is beyond capabilities of the UE to receive but within capabilities of full-capability UEs. Legacy SIB data may be spread between multiple new SIBs in this configuration. The configuration may include a limited transport block size and use of a limited number of physical resource blocks. Also provided is a Master Information Block (MIB) which indicates an extended System Frame Number count. Also provided is a means for communicating operating requirements from a UE by varying the timing and frequency of random access calls.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating system information in a wireless communication system is provided. The method comprises generating and sending by a base station, for example an eNB, a system information block (SIB) which includes at least one correlation enhancement bit. This SIB is received by the terminal, for example a MTC UE, and this SIB is subsequently correlated with a previously received SIB. Further, upon the correlation of the SIB and the previously received SIB, a determination is made whether the SIB has in fact changed. Upon determining if the SIB has changed, the terminal selects the correct SIB which is to be used for configuring communication with the base station.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating system information, such as SIBs, from a base station to a terminal in a wireless network such as an LTE network. The base station is configured to broadcast the system information in accordance with a standard which defines a range of allowable values for characteristics of the broadcast. A restricted range of values for the characteristics is defined as a strict subset of the range of allowable values, and repeated broadcasts of the system information are configured in accordance with the restricted range of values. The terminal uses knowledge of the restricted range of values to facilitate reception of multiple repetitions of the broadcast. The terminal then combines the multiple repetitions to facilitate recovery of the system information.

Abstract: The present technology provides a method and system for monetizing the usage of a certain “reserved service,” which comprises usage of certain reserved wireless operating modes, such as Ultra High Coverage Mode (UHCM), usage of one or more reserved Modulation and Coding Schemes (MCSs), or a combination thereof. In some embodiments the reserved MCSs may be employed solely when using the reserved operating mode. Similarly, the reserved operating mode may be defined at least in part by its usage of the reserved MCSs.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a grant free state for user equipment, for example a machine type communication (MTC) UE. There is provided a method for transitioning a state of a User Equipment (UE). The method includes determining, by the UE, if data is to be sent and transitioning, by the UE, to a grant free state when no data is to be sent, wherein transitioning to the grant free state includes receiving a grant free identifier (GF-ID). In some embodiments, the method further includes in accordance with a determination that an amount of data to be sent is below a threshold, transmitting, by the UE, the data together with the GF-ID. In addition, user equipment and base transceiver stations are provided each of which include a processor and memory having instructions stored thereon, which when executed by the processor configure the respective UE or BTS to perform the respective methods.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating a broadcast signal is provided. Plural broadcast signal units are transmitted in plural contiguous or non-contiguous frequency bands. Some or all of the broadcast signal units may be retransmitted, such that each of the broadcast signal units is retransmitted in a same frequency band as previously or in a different frequency band. In embodiments, one or more of the broadcast signal units may be transmitted with increased power and one or more of the broadcast signal units may be omitted or transmitted with reduced power. In embodiments, when a first broadcast signal unit of a first cell and in a first frequency band is transmitted with increased power, broadcast signal units of nearby cells being transmitted in a frequency band overlapping the first frequency band are not transmitted or are transmitted with reduced or unboosted power.

Abstract: A method and system for facilitating a controlled wireless communication relationship between a first device and a second device is provided. The wireless communication relationship is established at least in part via a portion of licensed radio spectrum. A remote validation server is contacted to obtain a validated authorization to use the portion of licensed radio spectrum for radio communication. Proof of the authorization between the first device and the second device is communicated. The first device and the second device subsequently enter into an authorized wireless communication relationship.

Abstract: The present technology provides a system and methods for carrier frequency offset (CFO) estimation. According to embodiments, there is provided a system and method for CFO estimation for narrow band 3GPP LTE/LTE-A Machine Type Communication (MTC) uplinks.

Abstract: A method and system for facilitating communication between an Evolved Node B (eNB) and a user equipment (UE) in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network. In particular the technology addresses downlink transmission via potentially large TTI bundles. The eNB transmits a downlink grant message to the UE, indicating a pending TTI bundle for downlink transmission. The UE transmits an acknowledgement message to the eNB if the DL grant message is successfully received and decoded. The eNB aborts transmission of the TTI bundle if it fails to timely receive the acknowledgement and may reassign the network resources scheduled for use in the transmission. In some embodiments, the eNB may introduce a delay between the downlink grant message and the TTI bundle.

Abstract: A method and system for facilitating communication in an LTE network between an eNB and Limited Capability Terminal Equipments (LCTEs). A subset of PRACH preambles is defined for use by the LCTEs. PRACH preambles are selected by LCTEs only from said subset for inclusion in transmission of a PRACH preamble message to the eNB. Upon receipt of a PRACH preamble belonging to the subset, the eNB adjusts its operation to accommodate a limitation of the LCTE corresponding to the PRACH preamble. For example, the eNB may schedule transmission of the associated RAR on a restricted set of PRBs which is predictable and accessible to said LCTEs, to accommodate LCTE reception limitations. The subset of PRACH preambles can be adjusted in size in order to control system performance. The subset may include one or more preambles for exclusive use by LCTEs and/or preambles for non-exclusive use by LCTEs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for abbreviating the blind decoding process performed by a UE, such as an LTE UE, on control channel data such as PDCCH data of PRB pairs of a set of PRB pairs transmitted concurrently within a subframe. In some embodiments, only a prioritized portion of the PDCCH data is decoded, thereby expediting blind decoding. In some embodiments, a reduced number of encoding options for the PDCCH data is used, and blind decoding is expedited by considering only such options as possibilities. When blind decoding of the PDCCH data is completed before the end of the subframe, this may be used to identify and discard corresponding PDSCH data which is irrelevant to the UE. The prioritized portion may be adjusted as needed to include the CSS so as not to miss certain critical data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for paging terminals such as Low Cost User Equipment (UEs) in a wireless communication system such as the Long Term Evolution (LTE) system. Terminals determine their signal quality level and, based on the signal quality, determine a number of repetitions of a message to use for decoding of the message. The message corresponds to part of a procedure for paging the terminal. The terminal receives and combines the determined number of repetitions of the message in order to decode the message.

Abstract: The present invention provides method, apparatus and computer program product for facilitating verification of an identity module, such as associated with a UICC, operatively coupled to a terminal equipment, such as a machine-type communication device. Upon determining that the identity module is in a bonded state, one or more bonding identifiers are read from the identity module and compared with at least a predetermined portion of the terminal equipment identifier, such as an IMEI, stored in the terminal equipment. If at least one of the bonding identifiers corresponds with at least a predetermined portion of the terminal equipment identifier, the identity module and/or the terminal equipment are shifted into predetermined operating conditions. A bonding process may also be performed, whereby the identity module acquires the terminal equipment identifier of currently associated terminal equipment and stores a bonding identifier in identity module memory based thereon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for paging User Equipment (UE). According to embodiments, repetition of paging can help UEs to more reliably receive pages when they are operating in idle mode DRX, and in particular enhanced idle mode DRX (eDRX). The UE and the eNB are cooperatively configured to determine an eDRX time interval and a value for paging occasion (PO) repetition based on one or more parameters, such as UE mobility requirements; UE power requirements; latency requirements, and timing discrepancies between base stations. The base station transmits pages, and the UE monitors for said pages, with timing that is based on the eDRX time interval and the PO repetition values.