Coverage enhancement for M2M communications using LTE

Abstract

With the widespread deployment of LTE 4G systems and large number of connected devices due to the Internet of Things, M2M services using LTE is under consideration by many cellular operators. To provide ubiquitous network coverage for M2M services, 3GPP will introduce coverage enhancement feature in Rel-13. In this paper we analyze features which will extend the range of an LTE system by up to 15dB. Performance analysis at both link and system levels will also be provided. We'll show that 15 dB coverage enhancement is feasible. The impact of this feature to system capacity depends on the fraction of UEs requiring coverage enhancement and their respective coverage shortfall.