Backhaul Link Subframe Allocation in TDD Relay Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current LTE systems lack a defined transmission frame structure and HARQ operation for the backhaul link between the eNB and the RN, leading to ineffective and unreliable communication.

Innovation Solution

Allocating uplink and downlink subframes for the backhaul link according to specific rules and conducting related HARQ operations ensures effective communication between the eNB and the RN, allowing for retransmission of incorrectly transmitted data without affecting the access link's transmission performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If relay nodes are introduced to enhance coverage and capacity, then system performance is improved, but signal interference increases requiring orthogonal radio resources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage and capacityVSAvoidsignal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the radio frame into distinct backhaul link subframes and access link subframes, allocating specific time resources for each link type. This segmentation allows orthogonal resource allocation that prevents signal interference between backhaul and access links while maintaining improved coverage and capacity through relay node deployment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic backhaul link subframes within the TDD frame structure, where backhaul transmission occurs in designated periodic intervals. This periodic allocation ensures orthogonal resources for backhaul and access links, reducing interference while enabling relay nodes to enhance system productivity through structured time-division multiplexing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Adaptability or versatility

If backhaul link communication is added to the TDD system, then relay functionality is enabled, but frame structure complexity increases due to undefined transmission structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelay functionalityVSAvoidframe structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs backhaul link subframes that can operate within existing TDD frame structures, making the solution universally applicable to different TDD configurations. The backhaul link transmission structure reuses existing TDD timing relationships and subframe allocations, enabling relay functionality without creating entirely new frame structures, thus reducing complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables dynamic configuration of backhaul link subframes that can adapt to different TDD uplink-downlink configurations. The framework allows flexible allocation of backhaul subframes based on traffic demands and interference conditions, providing adaptability for relay functionality while maintaining manageable frame structure complexity through standardized configuration rules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If orthogonal radio resources are allocated to backhaul and access links, then signal interference is reduced, but resource utilization efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal interferenceVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic backhaul link subframes that are strategically positioned within the TDD frame structure to minimize resource waste. By allocating backhaul transmission in regular periodic intervals and reusing remaining resources for access link traffic, the system maintains orthogonal protection against interference while maximizing overall resource utilization efficiency through structured time-division multiplexing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the system to discard unused backhaul link resources in certain subframes and recover them for access link transmission when backhaul traffic is low. This dynamic resource recovery mechanism reduces resource utilization inefficiency while maintaining orthogonal allocation principles that prevent signal interference, allowing flexible adaptation to varying traffic conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentEP2424288B1Method, device and system for backhaul link communication in TDD system
Publication Date: 2023.09.13 DATANG MOBILE COMM EQUIP CO LTD
  • EP2424288B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2424288B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2424288B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

The present invention provides a method, device and system for backhaul link communication in a TDD system. Wherein, the method includes: a base station allocating an uplink subframe for uplink transmitting of the backhaul link and a downlink subframe for downlink transmitting of the backhaul link, and notifying subframe allocating information to a relay node; and the base station communicating with the relay node by the uplink subframe and the downlink subframe of the backhaul link. The solution allocates the uplink subframe and the downlink subframe of the backhaul link according to certain rules, performs related HARQ operation based on the allocated uplink subframe and downlink subframe, and ensures the availability and reliability of backhaul link communication.