Subframe resource optimization for massive machine device access in LTE networks

Synchronous massive machine device access can lead to severe congestion in the random access channel (RACH) of LTE networks. With scarce frequency resources, effective means must be developed to combat this key challenge. In this letter, the efficient allocation of frequency resources is considered as an optimization problem to be solved with a utility function. Based on this and a method of estimating the number of machine devices, an adaptive subframe allocation scheme is proposed. Numerical and simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed frame adaptation scheme in combating RACH congestion.