Robust Synchronization Waveform Design for Massive IoT

Machine-type communication (MTC) is the key technology to support data transfer among devices (sensors and actuators) in Internet of Things (IoT). However, MTC, especially when applied to massive low-power IoT (mIoT), poses some unique and serious challenges due to the low-cost and low-power nature of an mIoT device. One of the most challenging issues is providing a robust way for an mIoT device to acquire the network under a large frequency offset/error (due to the use of a low-cost crystal oscillator) and a low operating SNR (due to the extended coverage). We address the issues in the existing mIoT system acquisition, particularly the initial synchronization waveform detection, and derive a new synchronization waveform that is more robust in an mIoT environment. The mathematical approach provides a useful analytical insight into the design of the synchronization signal waveform for the 5G mIoT system.