Extending Control Signalling in an LTE Network

• Main Authors: GILLES CHARBIT, JIANKE FAN
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 09.07.2014
• Subjects: ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE; ELECTRICITY; WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS

A method for a wireless network node to support an extended control signalling is provided. The method comprises configuring a control signalling message over extended control symbols on a layer 1 (L1) downlink control channel, the control signalling message encoded over an increased aggregation of control channel elements (CCEs) in a time domain. The control signalling message is placed in a designated set of sub-frames on the L1 downlink control channel. Support for the extended control signalling is indicated to one or more UEs as well as indicating a position of the designated set of the sub-frames in a spare field of a Master Information Block (MIB). The control signalling message is then transmitted to the one or more UEs over the L1 downlink control channel. The indication to the UEs allows legacy devices to operate as currently. May be used in conjunction with Machine Type Communication (MTC) devices.