Communications Device Dual-Mode Relay Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communications networks face challenges in supporting a wide range of devices, including low complexity IoT devices and wearable devices, which require efficient communication and power management, especially in indoor and remote locations where radio communications can be challenging.
Innovation Solution
A communications device configured to communicate with infrastructure equipment and relay nodes, switching between modes of operation based on predetermined conditions, such as a fallback indication, to optimize power usage and communication quality by using a low power link to a relay device for minimal network communication but enabling quick setup with the cellular network when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a communications device uses a low power link to a relay device for minimal network communication, then power consumption is reduced, but network access speed and communication quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The communications device dynamically switches between two operational modes: a first mode using a low power link to a relay device for power-saving operations, and a second mode using a direct high-power link to infrastructure equipment for rapid network access. The controller transitions between modes based on predetermined conditions such as receiving a fallback indication, ensuring optimal balance between power consumption and network access speed.
Solution Approach 2:
A relay device acts as an intermediary between the communications device and the infrastructure equipment. In the first mode, the communications device communicates through this intermediary via a low power link, reducing direct power consumption while maintaining network connectivity. The relay device forwards communications between the device and the network infrastructure.
2Speed
If a communications device switches to a direct link with infrastructure equipment for quick network access, then network access speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the communication mode based on operational needs. When quick network access is required (such as upon receiving a fallback indication), the device switches to the second mode using a direct high-power link to infrastructure equipment. When power saving is prioritized, it returns to the first mode using the low power relay link, thus optimizing the trade-off between speed and power consumption.
3Reliability
If a communications device maintains continuous connection to infrastructure equipment, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The relay device serves as a persistent intermediary that maintains the communications device's connection to the network infrastructure. By routing communications through this intermediary via a low power link, the device maintains network connectivity and communication reliability while consuming significantly less power than a direct continuous connection would require.
Solution Approach 2:
The communications device can autonomously manage its power consumption by switching between operational modes based on predetermined conditions. The controller automatically determines when to use the power-saving relay mode versus when to switch to the direct connection mode, enabling the device to self-regulate its power usage while maintaining necessary communication reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device is configured to communicate with an infrastructure equipment forming part of a mobile communications network, and to communicate with one or more relay nodes of the mobile communications network. The communications device comprises a receiver configured to receive signals on the downlink from the one or more relay nodes via a first wireless interface, and to receive signals on the downlink from the infrastructure equipment via second wireless access interface, a transmitter configured to transmit signals on the uplink to the one or more relay nodes via the first wireless access interface, and to transmit signals on the uplink to the infrastructure equipment via the second wireless access interface, and a controller configured to control the receiver to receive the signals and to control the transmitter to transmit the signals.