The adapting device may select SCMA 720 if the UE(s) and eNB(s) are SCMA capable. Then if link-budget and coverage improvement are access mode criterion, the adapting device may select mode-1 SCMA 725. If interference whitening and multi-user pairing for better capacity are access mode criterion, the adapting device may select mode-2 SCMA 730, and if scheduling free small packet transmission for massive connectivity is the access mode criteria, the adapting device may select mode-3 SCMA 735.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example graphical representation of a mapping rule 800 for uplink access mode selection. The representation of mapping rule 800 shown in FIG. 8 may illustrate graphically the selection of an access mode for an uplink. The adapting device may select OFDMA or SC-FDMA 805 for the uplink if the UE(s) are legacy UEs and if SCMA is not supported at the eNB(s). Then, if random access with moderate connectivity or capacity enhancement if eNB has SIC reception, the adapting device may select UL-NOMA 810. If coverage and/or link budget increase are access mode criterion, the adapting device may select MC-CDMA 815.

The adapting device may select SCMA 820 if the UE(s) and eNB(s) are SCMA capable. Then, if link-budget and coverage improvement are access mode criterion, the adapting device may select mode-1 SCMA 825. If interference whitening and multi-user pairing for better capacity are access mode criterion, the adapting device may select mode-2 SCMA 830, and if scheduling free small packet transmission for massive connectivity is the access mode criteria, the adapting device may select mode-3 SCMA 835.