Base Station Relay Selection via Information Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for transferring user data packets between base stations, such as those using the X2 gateway, lack the ability to selectively choose between relay operations through the gateway and direct paths, leading to inefficiencies in throughput and potential security risks due to the exposure of TNL addresses during handovers.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow base stations and inter-base-station gateways to determine whether to perform relay operations through the X2 gateway by sending information elements indicating the necessity of relay operations, considering factors like direct path availability and security requirements, thereby enabling the selection of optimal data transfer paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If relay operation through X2 gateway is always performed, then security is improved by concealing TNL addresses, but throughput deteriorates due to unnecessary relay operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the relay operation configurable rather than fixed. The base station can dynamically select between direct path and relay path based on real-time conditions such as direct path availability, security requirements, and network state. This is achieved through configuration messages that enable or disable relay operations for specific base station pairs or under specific conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different relay operation modes for different base station pairs or different communication scenarios. Instead of a uniform approach, each base station pair can have customized relay settings based on their specific security requirements, direct path availability, and traffic patterns. This enables security-conscious pairs to use relay while performance-critical pairs use direct paths.
2Productivity
If direct path is used for data transfer, then throughput is improved, but security deteriorates due to exposure of TNL addresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing the X2 gateway as a mediator between base stations. When relay operation is selected, the gateway conceals the TNL addresses of the base stations from each other, preventing direct exposure while still enabling data transfer. The gateway acts as a secure intermediary that forwards data without revealing the identity or address of the communicating base stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by allowing the system to switch between direct path and relay path through configuration. The selection is not static but can be changed based on security requirements, network conditions, and direct path availability. This dynamic switching capability allows the system to optimize for security when needed and for throughput when conditions permit.
3Adaptability or versatility
If relay operation is selectively enabled, then system adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional configuration and selection mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring relay operation settings through configuration messages before actual data transfer begins. The base station receives configuration information that specifies whether relay operations should be performed for particular target base stations or under specific conditions. This preliminary configuration simplifies the decision-making process during actual operation, as the selection criteria are established in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing a configuration mechanism that can handle multiple scenarios through a unified approach. The same configuration messages and selection logic can be applied to different base station pairs, different security requirements, and different network conditions. This multi-functional configuration system reduces complexity compared to having separate mechanisms for each scenario.
Data Source
AI summary
A base station apparatus (1) is configured to send a first information element to an inter-base-station gateway (3). The first information element explicitly or implicitly indicates whether a relay operation is necessary. The relay operation is an operation in which the inter-base-station gateway (3) relays a data packet destined for or sent from a radio terminal between the base station apparatus (1) and another base station (2). It is thus, for example, possible to contribute to enabling a base station or an inter-base-station gateway to select whether a relay operation by the inter-base-station gateway should be performed at the time of an inter-base-station handover.