Packet scheduling strategies for machine-to-machine (M2M) communications over long-term evolution (LTE) cellular networks

Supporting machine-to-machine (M2M) communications with cellular networks involves significant challenges associated with orders of magnitude more devices, small data transmissions, and vast dynamic range of applications requirements. Current solutions, such as the general packet radio service network, lack the required scalability and adaptability. More advanced radio communication technologies, such as long-term evolution (LTE) and LTE-Advanced, should, therefore, be designed to efficiently cater for M2M communications requirements. However, the associated signaling overhead and the diversity in quality-of-service targets call for the development of novel flexible resource management schemes. In this chapter, we present the challenges of enabling M2M scheduling over existing and future cellular infrastructures, propose novel solutions, and identify new perspectives towards smooth migration to M2M-enabled next-generation systems.